Method of transmitting electronic signature during a financial transaction

ABSTRACT

A system operates to carry out financial transfers in response to data read from data bearing records. A cell phone having a camera stores in memory indicia corresponding to account data from a plurality of magnetic stripe cards. A user can operate the phone to select one of the accounts stored in the memory. The memory further includes a scanned user-identifying written signature. The user can use the phone during an item purchase to wirelessly transmit each of an item&#39;s identifier captured by the camera, selected account data, and the user signature.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/800,915 filed May 25, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,011,575, which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/321,967 filed Jan. 26,2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,850,073, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 11/228,089 filed Sep. 15, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No.7,481,360, which both claims benefit pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e) ofU.S. Provisional Application 60/611,620 filed Sep. 20, 2004 and is alsoa continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/795,761 filedMar. 8, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,207,477, which is continuation-in-partof U.S. application Ser. No. 09/826,675 filed Apr. 5, 2001, now U.S.Pat. No. 6,702,181, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.09/076,051 filed May 11, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,315,195, which claimsbenefit pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application60/082,299 filed Apr. 17, 1998. The entire disclosures of each and allof the foregoing applications are herein incorporated by reference as iffully rewritten herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to devices for conducting financial transactions.More specifically, this invention relates to systems that can utilizeinformation received from a data bearing record, such as a card.Specifically, exemplary embodiments relate to a transaction apparatusand system which enables a single card with a programmable memory to beused as a substitute for a plurality of conventional credit cards,identification cards, benefit cards, and other objects which includeindicia such as magnetic indicia or bar code. An exemplary financialbanking system uses a computer to compare information read from a cardwith stored information to allow an individual to use a banking machineto reallocate funds among various accounts.

BACKGROUND ART

Automated transaction machines, such as an automated banking machine,are known in the prior art. A common type of automated banking machineis an automated teller machine (“ATM”). ATMs are increasingly used byconsumers to conduct banking transactions. Common banking transactionsconducted by users of ATMs include deposits and cash withdrawals. SomeATMs accept deposits in the form of envelopes, checks, cash, or otheritems. ATMs may also be used for paying bills, transferring fundsbetween accounts, and making balance inquiries. ATMs and other types ofautomated banking machines may also be used to dispense media ordocuments (e.g., tickets, financial checks, coupons, scrip, wageringslips, vouchers, travelers checks, gaming materials, receipts, or otheritems). Other types of automated banking machines may include deviceswhich count or deliver cash, sheets, documents, or other items of valueto a consumer, bank teller, service provider, or other user, as well aspoint of sale (POS) terminals and other terminals which enable users tocarry out transactions of value. Automated banking machines are usefulfor carrying out transactions that include transfer of value.

Automated banking machines typically include a user interface. The userinterface can be used to provide visual outputs to a user as well as toreceive user inputs. A common output device for a user interface is avisual display. A display can be used to provide outputs and otherinformation to the machine user. Many different types of displays can beused with regard to automated banking machines. The displays may be ofthe conventional type or of the touch screen type. A touch screen mayserve as both an output device and an input device.

A common type of credit and debit cards in use today are magnetic stripetype cards. The standardized format used for such cards includes indiciaon a front side of the card. Such indicia identifies the card owner, anaccount number, a card type, a card issuer, an expiration date as wellas possibly other information. Such indicia is presented as raisedletters and numbers which can be used to make an impression on amultipart carbon or carbonless form. The rear of such cards have amagnetic stripe supported thereon. The magnetic stripe includes severaltracks of information. This information includes magnetic indiciarepresentative of the information found on the front of the card as wellas other information that is used in processing transactionselectronically. Magnetic stripe cards are commonly used for credit cardtypes such as MasterCard®, VISA®, Discover®, American Express®, Diner'sClub® and others.

Most people also carry debit cards which allow them to access money intheir checking and savings accounts using automated banking machines.Some debit cards also function as credit cards. Most debit cards in usetoday are magnetic stripe cards similar in format to credit cards.

Due to the convenience of using credit and debit cards most people carryseveral such cards in their wallet. Because of financial incentivesassociated with the issuance and sponsorship of credit cards, many usersare offered cards by different banks, clubs, fraternal organizations andmerchandising organizations. As a result it is common for people to haveseveral different MasterCard® and VISA® accounts. This gives consumersthe opportunity to take advantage of premiums such as frequent flyermiles and rebates offered by card sponsors. Having several differentcredit cards also enables consumers to take advantage of the creditlimits on all their cards. While having many credit and debit cards is abenefit to consumers, it also requires them to carry several cards. Italso exposes consumers to a greater risk if their wallet or purse, whichincludes all their credit and debit cards, is lost or stolen.

Most individuals also carry a number of other objects or cards whichinclude machine readable indicia. These often include, for example, ahealth insurance card which indicates that a person is a member of aparticular group insurance plan. Such cards are often magnetic stripecards similar to credit cards. Alternatively such health insurance cardsmay include bar code indicia or other visible indicia which can be readwith a scanner. Some health insurance cards include both visible andmagnetic indicia. Persons who are members of a health insurance plan canidentify themselves and their account to medical providers by showingtheir card which can be read or scanned by appropriate devices.

Persons also commonly carry other types of cards with visible ormagnetic indicia. These may include for example, library cards,identification, or access cards, employee identification cards, studentidentification cards, driver's license cards, professional license cardsand other types of cardlike objects. The magnetic or visible indicia onthese cards is usually read when presented by the card holder toidentify the person as an authorized user of services or facilities.

Another type of card which has been developed is the stored value cardcommonly referred to as a “smart card.” Stored value cards are similarto credit and debit cards in construction in that they include a frontside which has raised identifying indicia which can be transferred to acarbon or carbonless multipart form. Such cards also commonly include amagnetic stripe including magnetic indicia which enables the card towork like any other credit or debit card. Stored value cards alsoinclude a programmable memory mounted on the card. Such programmablememory stores data representative of cash value. The value on the storedvalue card can be used like cash by the bearer to purchase goods orservices. The stored value data on the card is also often encrypted orstored using schemes to prevent fraud or tampering therewith.

Stored value cards, like debit and credit cards, require the customer tointeract with a stationary terminal device to utilize the card. Forexample, in the case of credit cards, credit is obtained when thecustomer presents their card to a merchant. The merchant (unless theyprocess transactions manually) utilizes a point of sale or electronicfunds transfer terminal to charge an amount to the customer's accountand credit the merchant's account. Similarly the use of a debit cardrequires that the user present their card to an automated bankingmachine, such as an ATM. The ATM operates to add or deduct amounts fromthe user's account as funds are deposited or received by the user.Similarly, stored value cards are used in connection with a stationaryterminal device such as an electronic funds transfer terminal orautomated banking machine which has the special capabilities to handlethe particular type of stored value card used. The terminal modifies thevalue information stored in memory on the card to reflect the additionor subtraction of value represented thereon as transactions areconducted. Having to use a stationary terminal device to conducttransactions is often inconvenient.

Most merchants only accept certain types of credit cards. Locating anATM that accepts the debit card of a person's financial institution canbe difficult. Often the use of a “foreign” card at another bank's ATMresults in a significant service charge. It is also difficult to find amerchant or ATM that can process stored value cards.

Thus there exists a need for an apparatus and method that can reduce thenumber of credit, debit, and other cards or card-like objects that aperson must carry while still obtaining the benefit of carrying all suchcards and objects individually.

There further exists a need for an apparatus and method which changesthe character of the indicia on a card, such as a stored value card, soas to give a single card the ability to be used as a substitute for anyone of a plurality of credit, debit, or other cards.

Finally, there further exists a need for an apparatus and method forcarrying out transactions using a hand-held device that enables a userto remotely interact with a transaction terminal device, such as anautomated banking machine, electronic cash register, or electronic fundstransfer terminal.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is an object of an exemplary embodiment to provide a noveltransaction apparatus.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment to provide atransaction apparatus which enables a user to use a single card whichcan be changed to conduct transactions using a plurality of the user'saccounts.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment to provide atransaction apparatus which can be used in lieu of a plurality ofcredit, debit and other cards and objects.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment to provide atransaction apparatus that selectively displays visible indiciareproduced from a card or object, which visible indicia can be read byindividuals or with a machine.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment to provide atransaction apparatus which can transfer value to or from a stored valuecard without the use of a stationary terminal device.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment to provide atransaction apparatus that is compact, portable and lightweight.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment to provide atransaction apparatus that can be configured in a manner which conformsto the shape of a conventional purse, wallet, or key fob and which mayperform the functions thereof as well as the functions associated withcarrying out transactions.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment to provide atransaction apparatus that authorizes operation based on a physicalcharacteristic of an authorized user.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment to provide atransaction apparatus which includes a rechargeable power supply.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment to provide atransaction apparatus that is economical to produce and easy to operate.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment to provide a methodfor storing data about a plurality of accounts held by user in a singlememory carried on a card.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment to provide a methodfor accessing data corresponding to plurality of accounts from thememory on a single card and selectively transferring such data to amagnetic stripe or visual display in connection with the card.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment to provide a methodfor selectively deleting and writing indicia corresponding to any one ofa plurality of selected accounts onto the magnetic stripe of a singlecard.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment to provide a methodfor transferring value between a plurality of accounts and the memory ofa stored value card without using a stationary terminal device.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment to provide anapparatus and method for carrying out transactions using a portablehand-held device that enables a user to remotely interact with atransaction terminal device.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment to enable a portablehand-held device to wirelessly transmit account information during atransaction.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment to enable a portablehand-held device to wirelessly transmit account information to anelectronic check generating system.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment to enable a portablehand-held device to capture and transmit an image of a merchandise itemidentifier during the purchase of the item in a self-service checkout.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment to enable a portablehand-held device to capture and transmit an image of an automatedbanking machine identifier during a self-service cash withdrawaltransaction.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment to provide anapparatus and method for accessing data corresponding to one of aplurality of accounts stored in the memory of a single card, where theaccessed card data can be selectively used to modify both the magneticstripe and the appearance of the card. Thus, both the external image ofthe card and the magnetic stripe data can correspond to the same accountselected from the card memory.

Further objects of exemplary embodiments will be made apparent in thefollowing Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments and the appendedclaims.

The foregoing objects are accomplished in one exemplary embodiment by anapparatus which includes a card which is of a type which includes amagnetic stripe supported thereon. The magnetic stripe may be of aconventional configuration and capable of having magnetic indiciarecorded or written thereon. The card also includes a programmablememory which is supported on the card. The programmable memorypreferably includes data representative of a plurality of accounts whichthe user has, such as various credit card accounts, debit card accountsand other accounts.

The apparatus further includes a portable terminal. The portableterminal is preferably sufficiently small so as to be readily portable.The terminal may be incorporated into a wallet, purse or key fob. Theportable terminal is releasably engageable with the card and includes amemory reading device which is operative to read the account data fromthe memory on the card. The portable terminal also includes an inputdevice which enables the user to select data from the card memorycorresponding to any one of the plurality of the user's accounts. Theportable terminal preferably further includes a magnetic writing devicewhich enables the user to write magnetic indicia corresponding to aselected account in the programmable memory to the magnetic stripe onthe card. This enables the user to use the card in place of thededicated credit card for that particular account. The portable terminalfurther preferably includes a magnetic stripe erasing device whichenables the user to erase the indicia from the magnetic stripe so thatthe user may subsequently write data corresponding to a differentaccount to the magnetic stripe when desired.

The card memory may further include data representative of a storedamount. This amount represents a monetary value which the user may useas a cash substitute. The portable terminal device preferably includes acommunications device which enables the user to make the transfersbetween the accounts for which data is held in memory and the monetaryamount stored on the card. In addition the monetary amount stored on thecard may be transferred using stationary terminals such as ATMs andpoint of sale terminals which have stored value card capabilities.

The card memory may further include data representative of visualindicia which are found on a plurality of cards or other objectsassociated with the user. The visible indicia may include for example,bar code indicia representative of a user's account with a group healthplan. Alternatively such visible indicia may include bar code or otherindicia associated with a student I.D., employee access card, driver'slicense, or other types of objects. The visible indicia may also includea reproduction of the user's signature or other identifyingcharacteristics. The portable terminal may include a display upon whichthe stored visible indicia may be reproduced in response to inputs to aninput device. This enables visible indicia to be read with a machinefrom the display, which serves as a substitute for scanning off the cardor object which the user is no longer required to carry. The card memorymay also include data representative of icons or other graphics as wellas data representative of instructions which are used by a processor inthe portable terminal for carrying out transactions.

In some embodiments the portable terminal may further include objectreading devices such as a magnetic stripe reader and a bar code scanner.Such devices are used to read magnetic indicia from the original creditand debit cards and to transfer such information may be stored in theprogrammable memory of the card used in connection with the invention.Similarly the object reader in the form of a scanner may read thevisible indicia such as a bar code from an object so that such indiciamay be stored in the memory on the card. The input device of theexemplary terminal is used to input designators which are stored incorrelated relation with the data which corresponds to the various typesof magnetic stripes and bar codes. The memory on the card may furtherinclude data representative of an access code as well as instructions tominimize the risk that an unauthorized user may gain access to the datastored in memory. Alternatively, the card memory may further includedata uniquely associated with the user such as fingerprint data or otherbiometric data. The terminal may include a reader for reading such datato assure that the user is the person authorized to use the card.

The exemplary embodiment enables a user to carry a single card which theuser may use in lieu of a plurality of cards or other objects which theuser would otherwise be required to carry. The exemplary embodimentfurther enables a user to transfer amounts between a stored value cardand their various accounts without having to use a stationary terminalsuch as a point of sale terminal or an automated banking machine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a transactionapparatus including a multifunction card and a portable terminal.

FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of the portable terminal of the typeshown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows an isometric view of the portable terminal shown in FIG. 2in combination with a wallet structure.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of the components of the portable terminalas well as a system through which the portable terminal communicates.

FIGS. 5-14 show views of exemplary function selection screens throughwhich a user may select functions to be executed using the transactionapparatus.

FIGS. 15-24 show examples of screens displayed on the portable terminaland associated with the logic flow for adding a new card type to theprogrammable memory on the multifunction card.

FIGS. 25-31 show a series of screens displayed on the programmableterminal and associated with the logic flow for deleting a card from theprogrammable memory on the multifunction card.

FIGS. 32-42 show screens displayed on the portable terminal andassociated with the logic flow for writing selected card information tothe magnetic stripe of the multifunction card.

FIGS. 43-52 show screens displayed on the portable terminal andassociated with the logic flow for adding a bar code to the programmablememory on the multifunction card.

FIGS. 53-56 show screens displayed by the programmable terminal andassociated with the logic flow for displaying a bar code correspondingto information stored on the programmable memory of the multifunctioncard.

FIGS. 57-61 show screens displayed on the portable terminal andassociated with the logic flow for deleting a bar code from theprogrammable memory on the multifunction card.

FIGS. 62 and 63 show screens displayed on the portable terminal andassociated with the logic flow for checking the stored cash valuerepresented by the data stored in the programmable memory on themultifunction card.

FIGS. 64-74 show screens displayed on the portable terminal andassociated with the logic flow for transferring cash value to theprogrammable memory on the multifunction card.

FIGS. 75-88 show screens displayed on the portable terminal andassociated with the logic flow for transferring value from theprogrammable memory on the multifunction card to a selected useraccount.

FIGS. 89-95 show screens displayed on the portable terminal andassociated with the logic flow for assuring that a user is authorized touse the terminal.

FIG. 96 shows an electronic check-generating arrangement.

FIG. 97 shows an example of an electronic check format prior to addingentries.

FIG. 98 shows an example of a completed electronic check.

FIG. 99 shows an exemplary embodiment of a transaction paymentarrangement for an item purchase.

FIG. 100 shows steps included in an exemplary self-service checkoutduring an item purchase.

FIG. 101 shows steps included in an exemplary cash withdrawaltransaction.

FIG. 102 shows an exemplary embodiment of an arrangement for a cashwithdrawal transaction.

FIG. 103 shows an image on a front face of a multifunction card.

FIG. 104 shows an image on the rear face of the multifunction card ofFIG. 103.

FIG. 105 shows another image on the front face of the multifunction cardof FIG. 103.

FIG. 106 shows another image on the rear face of the multifunction cardof FIG. 103.

FIG. 107 shows an electronic ink microcapsule containing white chips andliquid.

FIG. 108 shows an arrangement of white chips and black chips in amicrocapsule including a clear liquid.

FIG. 109 shows another arrangement of white chips and black chips in amicrocapsule containing a clear liquid.

FIG. 110 shows a bichromal bead in a first position in a cavity.

FIG. 111 shows the bead of FIG. 110 in a second position.

FIG. 112 shows the bead of FIG. 110 in a third orientation.

FIG. 113 shows a sheet including two-tone beads.

FIG. 114 shows portions of an electronic ink display arrangement.

FIG. 115 shows an electronic ink display positioned next to a card inputslot and presenting an instruction.

FIG. 116 shows a stage in a simulated movement of a card in an insertiondirection.

FIG. 117 shows another stage in a simulated movement of a card in aninsertion direction.

FIG. 118 shows further stages in a simulated movement of a card in aninsertion direction.

FIG. 119 shows an ATM with a plurality of electronic ink display labels.

FIG. 120 shows an arrangement of automated banking machine componentsand their connections.

FIG. 121 shows an electronic ink display module displaying a warning.

FIG. 122 shows an electronic ink display module showing a warning.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1 there is showntherein a transaction apparatus of one exemplary embodiment generallyindicated 10. The apparatus includes a multifunction card 12 and aportable terminal 14. The exemplary portable terminal and multifunctioncard are releasably engageable in a manner later discussed to enablecarrying out a plurality of functions and transactions.

The multifunction card 12 may have the dimensional configuration ofconventional credit and debit cards. It includes a magnetic stripe 16 ona rear face thereof. The magnetic stripe is capable of holding magneticindicia similar to the magnetic stripes on conventional debit, creditand similar cards. Like the stripes on such cards, magnetic stripe 16 isalso preferably capable of having the magnetic indicia thereon erasedwith an erase head or similar device, and having new indicia recorded orwritten thereon.

Multifunction card 12 further includes a programmable memory 18supported thereon. Programmable memory 18 includes a plurality ofelectrical or other contacts 20 which are accessible on the front of thecard. In the exemplary embodiment the card and programmable memory are atype and configuration such as is commercially available from a numberof suppliers including Diebold, Incorporated, the Assignee of thepresent invention. The contacts 20 and the magnetic stripe 16 arepositioned in predetermined locations on the card to enable the card tobe used with a variety of devices. Of course in other embodimentsnonconventional orientations and configurations of the magnetic stripeand the programmable memory contacts may be used.

As later explained, multifunction card 12 is designed to be used as asubstitute for a plurality of varied types of credit, debit and othercards. However in embodiments, card 12 may include information on theface or rear thereof so as to identify the particular user to whom thecard belongs, an issuer of the card, as well as other data. In someembodiments, the front side of the card may include raised numbers andletters corresponding to a particular credit card account and from whichan impression may be made onto a carbon or carbonless form. For exampleinformation on the face of the card may correspond to a user'sMasterCard®, VISA®, American Express®, Discovery®, Novus®, Diner's Club®or other card. This enables the exemplary multifunction card to be usedas the user's regular credit card when purchasing goods or services inestablishments that do manual processing of credit card transactions. Ofcourse while in the embodiment discussed, conventional credit cardindicia may be included on the front of the multifunction card, in otherembodiments special indicia may be presented on the card.

Portable terminal 14 includes a display 22 on the front face thereof. Inone exemplary embodiment display 22 is an LCD type display or othersuitable display that may be used for displaying words, graphics andother visible indicia in a manner later explained. Portable terminal 14further includes at least one input device that may be used to inputinformation by a user. In the embodiment shown, the input deviceincludes a manual input device which consists of a plurality of buttons.These buttons include a scroll up button 24 and a scroll down button 26.These scroll up and scroll down buttons 24, 26 which may be referred tohereafter as “up button” and “down button” respectively, are pressed bya user to selectively display items on the display.

The input device of the terminal further includes an enter button 28.The enter button is used in a manner later explained to initiateexecution of a function corresponding to the information displayed ondisplay 22. Terminal 14 further includes an on/off button 30. Button 30is preferably used in the manner later explained to initiate atransaction or to signify completion of a transaction and to turn theterminal off. It should be understood that the input device comprisingmanual input buttons 24, 26, 28 and 30 are exemplary only and that otherembodiments may incorporate other arrangements of manual and other typesof input devices.

As shown in FIG. 2 portable terminal 14 further includes a slot 32. Slot32 extends through the body of the terminal and is sized to enablemultifunction card 12 to be passed therethrough. An exemplary embodimentof the portable terminal includes an external object reading device 34positioned on the exterior of the terminal body. In one embodiment theexternal object reading device may include a bar code reader whichenables reading bar code off of cards and other objects so thatinformation corresponding to such visible indicia may be read and storedin the memory of the multifunction card.

The components which comprise an exemplary embodiment of the portableterminal 14 are schematically indicated in FIG. 4. Terminal 14 includesat least one onboard processor 36 which is in operative connection withthe other components of the portable terminal. Processor 36 is also inconnection with at least one data store or memory 38. Memory 38 may be avolatile or nonvolatile memory which is capable of holding andrecovering data which is received from or delivered to the processor 36.

Processor 36 is in operative connection with other components within theportable terminal 14. These components are represented schematically inFIG. 4 and are indicative of hardware and software componentsoperatively connected with the processor. These components include thedisplay component 40. Display component 40 includes display 22 as wellas the other hardware and software devices which enable the display toprovide visual outputs in response to processor 36. A manual inputcomponent 42 corresponds to a manual input device which in the describedexemplary embodiment of the terminal includes buttons 24, 26, 28 and 30.Component 42 includes the hardware and software which enablescommunicating the inputs from the user through the buttons to theprocessor so that the processor may carry out the functions of theportable terminal in response thereto.

Portable terminal 14 further includes a magnetic stripe read and writecomponent 44. In the exemplary embodiment this component includesmagnetic heads which are selectively operated to read magnetic indiciafrom the stripe of a card as well as to write magnetic indicia thereto.It should be understood while component 44 shows these functions ascombined, it actually represents two separate functions. These are thefunctions of reading magnetic indicia from a card and writing magneticindicia to a card stripe. These functions may be separate in otherembodiments. Component 44 includes the necessary hardware and softwareinterfaces to the processor 36 to carry out these functions in a mannerlater discussed. A magnetic stripe erase component 46 is furtherindicated schematically as part of the portable terminal FIG. 4. Thismagnetic stripe erase component includes an erase head or othercomparable device as well as the hardware and software devices that maybe used to selectively erase or otherwise clear magnetic indicia fromthe magnetic stripe of the multifunction card. In some embodiments themagnetic stripe erase component may be combined with the componentswhich function to read and write indicia to the magnetic stripe ofcards. In the exemplary embodiment the heads, which operate to read,write and erase magnetic stripe indicia from credit cards are positionedin the interior of terminal 14 and adjacent to slot 32. This enables thereading, writing and erasing functions to be carried out as a card ispassed manually therethrough. It should be understood however that inother embodiments other methods may be provided for reading, writing anderasing magnetic stripe data.

As shown in FIG. 4 portable terminal 14 further includes a card memoryread/write component 48. Component 48 serves to read and write data tothe programmable memory 18 on multifunction card 12. In the embodimentshown, the memory reading and writing functions are combined. However itshould be understood that these are separate functions and may becarried out through separate arrangements of hardware and software.Component 48 also includes electrical contacts which are positionedadjacent to slot 32 in the portable terminal. These electrical contactsare configured to engage the contacts 20 which enable communication withthe programmable memory 18 of the multifunction card 12. Component 48further includes the hardware and software devices required to read datafrom and write data into the programmable memory on the card.

Portable terminal 14 in the embodiment shown includes a scannercomponent 50. Scanner component 50 includes bar code scanner 34 orsimilar device for reading visible indicia from an object. Component 50further includes the hardware and software devices necessary tocommunicate with processor 36 and the other components of the portableterminal. It should be understood that while the embodiment of theportable terminal shown includes object reading devices for readingmagnetic stripe indicia, visual indicia and indicia stored in theprogrammable memory of cards, other embodiments may include other typesof object reading devices. Likewise other types of object writingdevices may be included depending on the particular uses made of theportable terminal.

For example in some embodiments scanner 50 may be a scanner suitable forscanning and reading written indicia. This may include the signature ofan authorized user. Data representative of such a signature may be inputand produced with the scanning device and stored in the programmablememory of the card. The signature may then be reproduced on the displayor transmitted to a remote location for purposes of identifying theauthorized user or the authenticity of a transaction.

Alternative embodiments may include a biometric reader component 47. Thebiometric reader component may include hardware and software componentsthat can be used to sense a characteristic of a user which uniquelyidentifies the person as an authorized user. In some embodiments thebiometric reader component 47 may include a fingerprint reading device.Alternatively, the reader may include an audio input device which can beused to identify a user by voice. Alternatively, visual readers foridentifying unique visible features, or a combination of identifyingfeatures of the user may be used. The programmable memory of the cardmay include data representative of the identifying biometric features ofthe authorized user or users. This stored data is used to enableauthorized users of the card to operate the terminal with the card whileothers are prevented from such operation.

Terminal 14 in the embodiment shown includes a communications component52. Communications component 52 may include a modem or othercommunications devices that are selectively operative under the controlof the processor to communicate with other systems and devices locatedoutside and preferably remote from the portable terminal. In someembodiments the communications component 52 may include a connector forcommunicating through a network 54 to a computer or similar device at aremote location, schematically indicated 56. A connection to the remotelocation may be selectively made based on an address which is used bythe communications component 52 to selectively communicate to thedesired remote location.

In one embodiment the communications component includes a wireless typemodem. In such an embodiment network 54 includes a cellular phonenetwork which enables communicating to a transaction network. This isdone through computers located at one or more remote addresses which areaccessed via a phone number which serves as the address. Alternativelycommunications component 52 may communicate through a conventionaltelephone access port which includes a telephone connector on the bodyof the portable terminal. In other embodiments the communicationsnetwork 54 may include communications intranets or public networks suchas the internet, which selectively enable communication by the portableterminal to selected nodes in the network. In such environments theaddresses to which the portable terminal communicates are the addressesof the network nodes which may properly receive transaction messages.

As shown in FIG. 4 the portable terminal includes a power sourceschematically indicated 58. Power source 58 may include any suitablesource of power for the components in the portable terminal. Suitablepower sources may include rechargeable or nonrechargeable batteries orconnectors to external power sources such as the cigarette lighter of avehicle. The power source 58 may further include a renewable energysource, such as a solar panel 60 which may be used to provide energyfrom the sun or other available light source.

As shown in FIG. 3 portable terminal 14 may be integrated into a carrier62 which may take the form of a wallet such as that shown in FIG. 3.Alternatively the carrier may be of a type which performs otherfunctions such as those of a purse, personal digital assistant, notebookcomputer, key fob, pager, cellular phone or other component carried by auser. As demonstrated by the carrier 62 shown in FIG. 3, the portableterminal 14 may be integrated into a wallet type device which includesspaces for holding the multifunction card as well as other credit cardsand identification cards. The carrier may further include spaces forholding cash, keys and other items in a manner of a conventional wallet.Similarly the carrier 62 may include a supporting surface for the solarpanel 60 as well as other features and components which may be desiredby a user. The small size and portability of the terminal 14 of theexemplary embodiment enables it to be integrated into any one of aplurality of carrier type devices while still enabling such devices tocarry out their traditional and/or nontraditional functions.

In an exemplary embodiment the portable terminal 14 operates to performa plurality of functions. These functions are carried out based oninstructions which may be included in whole or in part in theprogrammable memory 18 of the multifunction card 12. The processor 36 ofthe portable terminal 14 carries out instruction steps in response tothe inputs provided by the user of the card and portable terminal. Inembodiments the memory 38 in connection with the portable terminal mayalso include certain programmed instructions which are permanentlystored therein so as to facilitate certain operations of the terminal.The programmable memory on the card may also include the datarepresentative of accounts, indicia, access codes, monetary values,graphics, location data and other information which is used in theoperation of the apparatus.

In one exemplary embodiment the functions which are enabled to beexecuted include adding a new card to the memory. This is accomplishedby reading information off of a magnetic stripe of an existing dedicatedcard with the portable terminal and storing it in the programmablememory of the multifunction card. This information can be recoveredlater and the magnetic indicia written on the magnetic stripe of themultifunction card.

Another function executed in an exemplary embodiment is to selectivelydelete card data from the memory on the card. This could be done forexample when a user no longer desires to use the multifunction card as asubstitute for the dedicated card.

Another function or an exemplary embodiment is to write the indiciastored in the memory of the magnetic stripe card onto the magneticstripe of the multifunction card or perhaps another magnetic stripecard.

Another function which is carried out in an exemplary embodiment is toadd visual indicia such as a bar code to the memory of the multifunctioncard. Likewise, another function is to delete a bar code or other visualindicia stored in the card memory. A further function is to display oneof the selected visual indicia such as a bar code or a user's signaturewhich is stored in the memory of the card.

Other functions of embodiments may be to carry out financialtransactions without the need to use a stationary terminal. Suchfunctions include checking the cash equivalent value stored in thememory of the multifunction card. Another transaction is to transfervalue stored in the memory of the multifunction card to another account.The transfer of funds from an account to the programmable memory on themultifunction card so that it can be used as a cash equivalent therefromis a further transaction which may be carried out by embodiments.

The various functions which the described embodiments of the transactionapparatus may carry out and the logic associated therewith are nowexplained with reference to FIGS. 5-95 which disclose transaction stepscarried out by a user in executing the various functions. In theembodiment described, the programmable memory 18 on the card includesdata representative of prompt messages. When the multifunction card 12is extended in the terminal so that the contacts 20 thereon can be readby the connectors of the card memory read/write component 48, the storedinstructions which include the prompt messages and the associated logicmay be read. The processor 36 then operates the display component 40 toselectively display prompt messages on the display 22 of the terminal14.

In an exemplary embodiment security measures are provided to assure thatonly a proper authorized user is enabled to operate the system. This maybe accomplished by requiring a user to input an access code which isknown only to them before the terminal functions may be accessed. Thisaccess code may be programmed in the programmable memory 18 using aseparate terminal device. Alternatively provisions may be made forexecuting a software program which enables the user to select theiraccess code the first time that the multifunction card is used inconnection with the portable terminal. This program may be stored in thememory of the terminal or on the card. In alternative embodiments thecard holds biometric data related to authorized users. The biometricdata of a user is input through the biometric reader 47. For example,when the reader 47 includes a fingerprint reader a user may place apredetermined finger adjacent to the reader. If the input datacorresponds to an authorized user, the terminal may be operated. In someembodiments the user may scan a single fingerprint to gain access. Theparticular finger selected may be one chosen by and known only to theuser. In other embodiments a plurality of fingerprints from one or bothhands, may need to be read in a selected order. This may increase thesecurity level.

One form of the logic flow associated with assuring that an authorizeduser uses the apparatus is demonstrated with reference to FIGS. 89-95.In initiating the operation of the terminal the user is first requiredto place the multifunction card 12 in the slot 32 of the portableterminal 14. The card is preferably inserted into the slot in a mannerwhich enables the electrical connectors associated with component 48 toengage the contacts 20 on the card. The slot corresponds closely to thewidth of the card and serves as a guide for positioning the card as itis passed therethrough. A spring loaded finger or other releasable stopmay be positioned adjacent the slot to stop the card at the proper depthinside the terminal to engage the contacts. The user preferably knowshow to insert the card into the slot in order to achieve this connectionbased on experience. Alternatively, instructions printed on the face ofthe card and/or the terminal may instruct the user in how to insert thecard. The memory 38 in the terminal 14 may also include datarepresentative of prompts which are displayed on the screen 22 whichinstruct the user on how to properly insert the multifunction card.

For purposes of this example, the sign on process for a user preferablybegins with the display screen 100 shown in FIG. 89. Screen 100 is ablank screen which indicates that the terminal is off. When the userpresses the on/off button 30, a screen 102 as shown in FIG. 90 isdisplayed. Screen 102 preferably includes a prompt which instructs theuser to enter their access code.

The entry of the user's personal access code is demonstrated in FIGS.91-94. In entering the access code of the embodiment shown, the userstarts with a screen 104 shown in FIG. 91. Screen 104 includes sevenspaces in which the user may input alphabetical or numerical characterswhich make up the access code. Pressing the up button 24 when screen 104is displayed begins a scrolling process in the first space for input ofthe access code. This causes the screen to change the first space from ablank space to the letter “a.” This is shown in FIG. 92 and isrepresented by a screen 106. Pressing the up button 24 again (orcontinuing to hold it) changes the first character to the letter “b” asindicated by a screen 108 in FIG. 93. The user may move to subsequentletters by holding or repeatedly pushing the up button, thus scrollingthrough the alphabet and/or numerical values until the desired firstcharacter of the access code is displayed in the first space. Of coursethe user may scroll backwards by pushing the down button. In thisexample the letter “b” is the first character of the user's access codeand the user indicates that fact by pressing the enter button 28 asschematically indicated in FIG. 93.

After the first character is entered, the user selects the secondcharacter of the access code in a similar manner. This is again done byselectively pressing the up and down buttons 24 and 26 until the desiredalphabetical or numerical character is displayed in the second space.Once the desired character is displayed in the second space the userpresses the enter button 28 to move to the next character. This isrepresented by screen 110 in FIG. 94. In the embodiment shown the usermay enter up to seven characters as the access code. However in theexemplary embodiment the user may not require seven characters and maysimply choose to leave certain characters as blanks. In the embodimentshown the user's access code is the five letter word “broom” and the twofinal characters are simply left blank. After the user indicates this bypressing the enter button 28 to leave blanks for the last twocharacters, a screen 112 shown in FIG. 95 is displayed.

In screen 112 the user is given the option of either changing theiraccess code or proceeding to a main menu. The user may select the optionof changing their access code by pressing the up button 24. This willlead the user through a series of prompt screens to enter a new accesscode. This series of prompt screens may lead the user throughappropriate steps in accordance with the instructions stored in thememory on the card or in the terminal so as to enter a new code. Inalternative embodiments a biometric identifier may be used as an accesscode. In such a system the user would be prompted through the display 40to input identifying biometric data to the biometric reader 47. Forexample, if the biometric reader is a fingerprint reader, the user maybe prompted to bring a finger that they have preselected adjacent to thereader. The reader 47 would read the fingerprint and produce suitablesignals to compare the input data to the data stored on the card. If theinput data corresponds to an authorized user, the user is authorized tofurther operate the terminal. The user may be given the option to changethe biometric data, such as to add data for another authorized user, orto change the finger used for providing fingerprint data in theaccessing process or to use a sequence of fingerprints to obtain access.

Alternative embodiments may use other processes and criteria to accessthe card data. Once the user has properly gained access they may begiven the option of changing the access code or other sign onprocedures. For purposes of this example however the user chooses theoption of displaying a main menu which is selected by pressing the downbutton 26 as indicated schematically in FIG. 95.

The prompt messages in FIGS. 5-13 represent a main menu showing thevarious transactions that can be conducted with the apparatus. FIG. 5shows a screen 64 which includes a prompt which queries a user as towhether they wish to add a new card to the memory on the multifunctioncard. In the embodiment shown the fact that additional options areavailable by scrolling up or scrolling down are indicated by a dualpointed arrow adjacent to the text displayed. By pressing the downbutton 26 as indicated schematically, the user may move to screen 66shown in FIG. 6. This screen indicates the availability of the selectionof the transaction to delete a card from memory. Pressing the downbutton again causes the display of the terminal to provide the screen 68shown in FIG. 7. This screen provides a prompt corresponding to thetransaction in which data stored in the programmable memory of themultifunction card is written to a magnetic stripe.

Scrolling with the down button 26 from screen 68 causes screen 70 inFIG. 8 to be displayed. Screen 70 includes a prompt corresponding to atransaction in which bar code is added to the programmable memory of themultifunction card. FIG. 9 discloses a screen 72 which may be displayedby scrolling with the down button from screen 70. Screen 72 correspondsto deleting a bar code from the memory on the multifunction card. Screen74 shown in FIG. 10 includes a prompt to the user which enablesselection of a transaction in which bar codes stored in the memory maybe displayed.

FIG. 11 shows a screen 76 which includes a prompt which corresponds to atransaction in which a user may check the cash value represented by datastored on the programmable memory of the card. Such data corresponds toa cash value which enables the multifunction card to be used in a manneridentical to cash. From FIG. 11 a user may scroll to a screen 78 shownin FIG. 12 which prompts the user to select an available transaction inwhich value may be transferred from the stored value on themultifunction card. FIG. 13 shows a screen 80 with a prompt whichenables the user to select a transaction in which value will betransferred onto the memory of the multifunction card.

In the exemplary embodiment the prompts in the screens of the main menuenable scrolling back to prior screens either by pushing the up or downbuttons. As shown in FIG. 13 by pressing the down button from screen 80the user causes the first screen 64 to again be displayed. Of course theuser can move up and down by pressing buttons 26 and 24 which enablesthem to select any of the transactions available in the main menu. Forpurposes of a first example if a user wishes to add a new card to memorythey can manually depress the enter button 28 of the input device asrepresented schematically in FIG. 14. Pressing the enter button 28 fromscreen 64 causes the processor 36 to begin executing the instructionsstored in the programmable memory of the card and/or memory 38 of theterminal to add a new card into the memory.

This routine begins as schematically indicated in FIG. 15 with screen64. FIG. 15 is identical to FIG. 14, the screen being repeated hereinfor the sake of clarity. In response to a user pressing the enter button28 a screen 80 of the type shown in FIG. 16 is presented. This screenincludes a screen prompt which prompts the user to identify the type ofcard to be added. The memory on the multifunction card or the terminalpreferably includes data representative of icons of major card types.These may include for example the icons representative of the logos forMasterCard®, VISA®, American Express®, Novus®, Discovery® and/or othercommon card types which a user is likely to want to enter. In screen 80a MasterCard® logo is displayed by way of example, with an arrowindicating that other selections are available by pressing the downbutton 26.

By pressing the down button from screen 80, screen 82 shown in FIG. 17is displayed. This prompt screen includes the VISA® designator and logo,and allows the user to indicate that the card they are about to add is aVISA® card. The arrows adjacent to the VISA® logo displayed on thescreen pointing both up and down indicates that the user may press theup or down buttons to display other card types. For purposes of thisexample it will be assumed that the card that the user wishes to add tothe memory is a VISA® card. To indicate this, the user presses the enterbutton 28 as indicated in FIG. 17.

In the operation of the described embodiment the user is now requestedto input a card identifier to distinguish the particular type of VISA®card which they are about to add to memory. This is done through ascreen 84 which prompts a user to input a plurality of alphabetical ornumerical characters which serve as a designator to identify theparticular card. As shown in FIG. 18 the interface described enables auser to select letters of the alphabet to identify this particular typeof card. For example by pressing and holding the up and down buttons theuser is enabled to scroll through letters of the alphabet until theyfind the first letter of the designator they wish to input. When theletter is displayed, they can enter that as the first letter of thedesignator by pressing the enter button 28. They can then move on to thenext letter of the designator selecting it with the up and down buttons.When a space is desired to be entered, the user can leave the blankspace which is preferably included as the initial option. In the case ofscreen 84 the designator is BP_VISA which may be a designator for aVISA® card provided by British Petroleum. Once the user has enteredtheir desired designator any leftover spaces may be simply left blank byrepeatedly pushing the enter button 28. After all the spaces are filled,the input of the designator is complete.

Screen 86 shown in FIG. 19 indicates the input of an alternativedesignator. In this screen the designator input is “KEY_BANK_ATM.” Thismay indicate for example that the card which is being input is the debitcard which corresponds to the user's account at Key Bank. It should beunderstood that the particular designator used is purely in thediscretion of the user and the user is free to use highly descriptiveterminology or a secret code which is known only to them to identifytheir various cards. In the exemplary embodiment sufficient security isprovided for accessing the memory on the multifunction card that theuser is enabled to use descriptive terminology as a designator if theywish to do so.

Once the designator has been input, the instructions read from thememory on the card or in the terminal causes a screen 88 shown in FIG.20 to be displayed on the display 22. Screen 88 includes a promptmessage to remove the stored value card from engagement with theportable terminal 14. Once the terminal senses that the stored valuecard has been removed by the disengagement of the contacts thereon withthe portable terminal, a screen 90 as shown in FIG. 21 is displayed.Screen 90 includes a prompt for the user to pass their original BP_VISAcard through the portable terminal. As shown in the exemplary embodimentthe display further visually instructs the user on how to pass theoriginal card through the terminal so that it is properly read by themagnetic stripe reading device. In response to the screen 90 a userpreferably passes their original card through the slot 32 in theportable terminal. On sensing the proper reading of the magnetic stripeon the card, screen 92 shown in FIG. 22 is displayed. Screen 92indicates to the user that the stripe has been properly read and thatthey should now reinsert the multifunction card face up.

It should be understood that the stored instructions may includeprovisions for a time out routine. In the event that the user fails toproceed to the next step at any point in the transaction, the time outreturns the terminal to the main menu or to an off condition. Such atime out routine or failure routine may be accompanied by appropriateuser prompts to advise the user why the terminal has proceeded to shutitself off or return to the main menu.

If from screen 92 the user reinserts the multifunction card into theslot 32, the logic flow next moves to display a screen 94 shown in FIG.23. Screen 94 prompts the user as to whether they wish to add theBP_VISA card to the memory of the multifunction card. As shown in FIG.94 the screen includes the default response which is “yes” with an arrowadjacent thereto which indicates to the user that they may change toother than the default response by pressing the down button 26. In thisexample the user wishes to add the card to the memory of themultifunction card, in which case the enter button 28 is pressed whilescreen 94 is displayed. This results in screen 96 shown in FIG. 24 beingdisplayed, which indicates that the function has been carried outsuccessfully. The user may press button 30 once to turn the terminal offor twice to return to the main menu.

The logic associated with deleting information concerning a card fromthe memory of the multifunction card is now demonstrated with referenceto FIGS. 25-31. This process begins with a screen 98. Screen 98corresponds to screen 66 shown in FIG. 6 of the main menu. To choosethis operation the user presses the enter button 28 as schematicallyindicated in FIG. 25. This causes the screen 114 shown in FIG. 26 to bedisplayed.

Screen 114 prompts a user to select which of the cards that are storedin the programmable memory on the card is to be deleted. The cards arereferenced through displayed the designators which have been previouslyinput by the user. Screen 114 displays the first one of these cardswhich has the designator “KEY_BANK_ATM.” The arrows next to thedesignator indicate that the user may select other cards by pressing theup or down button. As shown in FIG. 26 the user presses the down button26 which causes the display to move to a screen 116 shown in FIG. 27.Screen 116 displays the next card designator which is “MBNA_MC” whichthe user has previously input to designate an MBNA MasterCard. Assumingthat the user wishes to select this card as the card to be deleted, theypress the enter button 28 as schematically indicated in FIG. 27.Pressing the enter button from screen 116 causes a confirmation screen118 shown in FIG. 28 to be displayed. This screen prompts the user toconfirm that they want to delete that card. An arrow displayed next tothe default option which is “yes” advises a user that they can change toanother option by pressing the down button.

In screen 118 shown in FIG. 28 if the user presses the enter button 28as schematically indicated therein the terminal next displays screen 120shown in FIG. 29 in which the terminal outputs an indication that thecard has been deleted.

Alternatively if from screen 118 shown in FIG. 28 the user presses thedown button 26 as schematically indicated in FIG. 30, a screen 122 shownin FIG. 21 as displayed. Screen 122 shows that the selected card willnot be deleted and pressing the enter button 28 from this screen willreturn the terminal to the main menu. Alternatively, pressing the upbutton 24 in the screen 122 returns to the screen 118. It can beappreciated that the stored programmed instructions enable a user tocorrect errors that are made in the course of operating the inputdevices on the terminal.

The execution of the steps which enable the exemplary apparatus toconfigure the multifunction card so it may be used as a substitute forany one of a plurality of original magnetic stripe credit or debitcards, is now explained with reference to FIGS. 32-42. The logicexecuted to carry out this function begins with a screen 124. Screen 124is identical to screen 68 of the main menu. As shown schematically withreference to FIG. 32, pressing the enter button 28 from screen 124causes a screen 126 shown in FIG. 33 to be displayed. Screen 126includes a prompt requesting that the user identify the card in thememory whose identifying indicia is to be transferred to the magneticstripe of the multifunction card. The user is enabled to scroll throughthe designators for the cards stored in memory by pushing the buttons 24and 26.

As indicated by a screen 128 in FIG. 34, the user selects the card datastored in correlated relation with the designator “BP_VISA” in thememory of the multifunction card by scrolling with the buttons untilthis designator is displayed and then pressing the enter button 28.

In response to the selection of the particular card in memory theindicia corresponding to the magnetic indicia on the “BP_VISA” cardwhich has been stored in the memory of the multifunction card istransferred to the memory 38 of the terminal. Similarly the instructionswhich the processor will need to execute to complete the steps ofwriting the magnetic indicia onto the multifunction card are transferredtemporarily into the memory of the terminal so that the steps may becompleted with the memory of the multifunction card disengaged from theterminal.

Once the necessary information has been loaded into the memory of theterminal a screen 130 shown in FIG. 35 is displayed. Screen 130 includesa prompt instructing the user to remove the multifunction card fromengagement with the portable terminal. Upon sensing the disengagement ofthe multifunction card the screen 132 shown in FIG. 36 is presented bythe portable terminal. Screen 132 includes a prompt for the user to passthe stored value card through slot 32 in the terminal. The promptpreferably includes instructions on the orientation of the card and themagnetic stripe. This is done so that any indicia that has beenpreviously recorded on the magnetic stripe of the multifunction card iserased.

In response to screen 132 the user preferably passes the multifunctioncard through the portable terminal such that the magnetic stripe passesthrough an area of the slot in connection with an erase head whichclears the magnetic stripe. Upon sensing that the card has been passedthrough the terminal, a screen 134 shown in FIG. 37 is displayed by theportable terminal. The sensing can be done with the spring loaded fingerin the slot or with another suitable stripe or card sensing device inthe slot.

The portable terminal then further operates under control of theprocessor and the instructions stored in its memory 38 to display thescreen 136 shown in FIG. 38. Screen 136 includes a prompt which includesan instruction for the user to now pass the multifunction card throughthe slot 32 in a different orientation so that the magnetic indiciacorresponding to the selected BP_VISA card may be written to themagnetic stripe of the multifunction card. It should be noted that inthe embodiment shown, the orientation of the card for erasing the stripeand for writing indicia to the stripe are different. This is donebecause a different head is used for erasing as opposed to reading andwriting. In alternative embodiments a single head may perform both theerasing and writing functions or alternatively multiple heads may bealigned in the slot so that the card is passed in the same manner tocarry out both the erasing, reading and writing functions.

The exemplary embodiment includes appropriate sensors and instructionsso that if the multifunction card is inserted wrong, the screen such asscreen 138 shown in FIG. 39 is displayed. This may be done based on thesensing finger sensing the card but the magnetic head not sensing thestripe which indicates an improper card orientation, or in other ways.This screen is displayed so that if the user begins to insert the cardimproperly they are prompted to make a correction. Removal of the cardmay return the terminal to the screen 136 or may abort the instructionsequence such as by displaying the screen 140 shown in FIG. 42.

If however the card has been passed through the portable terminalproperly a screen 142 shown in FIG. 40 is presented. This screenindicates that the indicia corresponding to the magnetic indicia on theoriginal BP_VISA card has been written to the magnetic stripe on themultifunction card. From screen 142 the terminal then moves to display ascreen 144 shown in FIG. 41 indicating that the transaction is completeand the user may turn off the portable terminal by pressing the on/offbutton 30.

If for any reason an error has been sensed in carrying out thetransaction, a screen 140 shown in FIG. 42 preferably appears. The usermay then select either the option to retry the transaction to write thematerial to the card by pressing the up arrow, or may quit by pressingthe down arrow which will return the terminal to the main menu.Alternatively in an exemplary embodiment pressing the on/off button 30from screen 140 is also a suitable way to end the transaction.

Assuming that the selected card data has been written to the magneticstripe on the multifunction card 12, the user may now take themultifunction card and present it to any standard transaction terminalwhich accepts that type of magnetic stripe card. For example if a userwishes to charge goods or services to their BP_VISA account, they maypresent that card to a merchant who passes the stripe through a point ofsale terminal, electronic cash register or other appropriate terminal.This will result in the user's BP_VISA account being charged for thosegoods or services. Similarly if a user wishes to get cash out of an ATMand charge it to their BP_VISA account they may present themultifunction card to an ATM. The ATM may be operated in the usualmanner as one would operate it using the original BP_VISA card.

The multifunction card may be configured to include the user's signaturein a space on a face of the card. This would enable a merchant acceptingthe card to compare a user's signature on a transaction receipt to thesignature on the card. Alternatively, or in addition, a reproduction ofthe user's signature may be stored in the memory on the card. The usercould display a reproduction of their signature on the screen of theterminal so that a merchant could verify the signature. Alternatively,user identifying electronic signature data may be transmitted through acommunications device such as modem or infrared transmitter, orotherwise read from the terminal into the merchant's system, so that themerchant may store the electronic signature data from the terminal withthe transaction data.

In alternative methods of operation the merchant may use an electronicsignature capture system for transaction receipts. In such a system themerchant's computer system may include software to compare the signalsgenerated by the user's actual signature on an electronic signature padto the signature data stored on the card. Such comparisons would providean indication where the signature data does not correspond to asufficient degree, which may suggest that the user of the card is notthe authorized user.

After completing a transaction the user may choose to leave the magneticstripe data for the selected card on the stripe. Alternatively the usermay choose to change the magnetic stripe to a different card. Forexample if the multifunction card has embossed data on the frontcorresponding to one particular card, the user may choose to return themagnetic stripe indicia to correspond with the indicia embossed on thefront of the card. Alternatively the user may choose to completely erasethe magnetic stripe data as may be done by returning the multifunctioncard to the terminal and repeating the steps associated with writingcard data to the magnetic stripe up through the point in the steps wherethe magnetic indicia is erased from the magnetic stripe. The user maythen exit the routine by pressing the on/off button leaving the cardwith a blank stripe. In embodiments where no information is embossed onthe front of the multifunction card users may find this advantageous asthe multifunction card is of absolutely no value as a credit or debitcard unless the access code has been appropriately entered.

The exemplary embodiments may also be used to selectively record anddisplay visible indicia such as a bar code. These functions aregraphically represented and the logic flow associated therewithexplained with reference to FIGS. 43-61.

FIG. 43 shows a screen 146. Screen 146 is identical to screen 70 shownin FIG. 8 of the main menu. To select this function a user presses theenter button 28 from the main menu as schematically indicated in FIG.43. From screen 146 a screen 148 is presented as shown in FIG. 44.Screen 148 prompts a user to enter a bar code ID or designatorcorresponding to a bar code that is to be read from an object. This isdone in a manner similar to the entry of designators for credit or debitcards or entry of the access code. The user scrolls through alphabeticaland numerical characters by pressing the up and down buttons 24 and 26as represented by screens 150 and 152 shown in FIGS. 45 and 46respectively, until a desired character is displayed in a desiredposition. When the desired character is reached, the enter button 28 ispressed at which point the user moves on to the next character.

For purposes of this example it will be assumed that the user is goingto scan a bar code off of a medical benefits identification card whichthe user has chosen to designate “BLU_CROSS ID.” This is represented inFIG. 47 by a screen 154. The user indicates that they have completed thedesignator by pressing the enter button 28 a sufficient number of timesto null any remaining spaces in the available spaces entry forcharacters.

Once the terminal is advised that the entire ID has been entered, thelogic flow operates to display the prompt shown in screen 156 and FIG.48. This prompt instructs a user to scan the bar code off the objectsuch as their Blue Cross® identification card. The process also operatesto initiate operation of the scanner component 50. The user then bringstheir identification card in proximity to the scanning device 34 on thehousing of the portable terminal and the processor operates in responseto the stored instructions to capture the bar code data on the card.When the bar code data has been captured, the screen 158 shown in FIG.49 is displayed. As previously discussed, if the bar code cannot be reador is not read in a sufficient time, the instructions may includeprovisions for returning the terminal to screen 146 or providing ascreen such as screen 160 shown in FIG. 52 in which the user is giventhe option to either quit or retry scanning the bar code.

Assuming that the bar code is properly read as indicated by screen 158,the terminal then displays screen 162 shown in FIG. 50 which prompts auser as to whether they wish to add this bar code to the memory on themultifunction card. As is the case with prior prompts the default valueis “yes,” but the user is enabled to change the default to a “no” bypressing button 26. For purposes of this example it will be assumed thatthe user wishes to add the bar code for their medical identificationcard to the memory which they do by pressing button 28 in response toscreen 162. In response to the user pressing the enter button the screen164 shown in FIG. 51 is displayed. The user can now turn the terminaloff by pressing button 30.

It should be understood that while the type of visual indicia added tothe memory on the multifunction card in the foregoing example is barcode associated with a medical plan, other types of bar code may beadded. For example the multifunction card may be used to store datarepresentative of bar code associated with a driver's license, studentidentification card, employee access card, library card or any othertype of bar code. In addition the system may be configured to read andstore other types of visual indicia which are capable of being read,stored and reproduced.

When a user desires to use the terminal to display one of the bar codesor other indicia stored in memory, they may do so from a screen 166shown in FIG. 53. Screen 166 is identical to screen 74 in the main menu.To proceed with the display of a selected bar code the user presses theenter button 28 as schematically indicated.

In response to the user selecting the display bar code routine from themain menu, the terminal proceeds to display a screen 168 shown in FIG.54. Screen 168 asks the user to identify the bar code that they wish todisplay. The user is enabled to select designators for the various barcodes stored in the memory of the multifunction card. This is done usingthe up and down buttons on the terminal device.

Assuming for purposes of this example that the user wishes to displaytheir medical plan ID, the designators for the various stored bar codeindicia are scrolled through by pressing the buttons until the medicalplan ID designator is displayed, which is represented by a screen 170 inFIG. 55. In response to pressing the enter button 28 the processor isoperative to retrieve the data corresponding to the bar code in thememory and to display a reproduction of the bar code on the terminal.This is represented by a screen 172 in FIG. 56. The displayedreproduction of the bar code may be scanned from the display 22 of theportable terminal using the scanner or similar bar code reading devicewhich is schematically represented by a scanner 174 in FIG. 56. Thus theuser may identify themselves to a medical provider as a participant intheir medical plan and the user may input their identifying informationin the conventional manner using the same scanner that is used forscanning a regular identification card. When the scanning process isfinished, the user can discontinue the display of the bar code bypressing on/off button 30.

The bar codes which have previously been stored in the memory associatedwith the multifunction card may also be selectively erased therefrom.This may be done for example when a user's regular card is replaced suchthat a new bar code or other visual indicia is associated therewith.Alternatively a user may simply wish to discontinue the use of aparticular card. This may happen for example with regard to a librarycard which a user had been using in a city where they previouslyresided. Once the user moves they no longer use that library. Likewise auser may delete their driver's license data when they move to anotherstate and obtain a new license.

The deletion of a bar code from the memory is represented by the logicflow associated with FIGS. 57-61. The screen 176 corresponds with thescreen 72 in the main menu, and includes a prompt which enables a userto select the logic which operates to delete a bar code from the memory.The user selects this transaction by pressing the enter button 28. Ascreen 178 is then displayed which asks a user to identify the bar codethey wish to delete from the memory. The user selects the bar code bypressing the up and down buttons 24 and 26. As shown in FIG. 59 the userselects a card which has the associated designator “CLE_LIB_CARD” storedin association therewith in the memory of the multifunction card. Thisis represented by a screen 180. Pressing the enter button 30 with thebar code designator displayed causes a screen 182 shown in FIG. 60 to bedisplayed. Screen 182 queries the user as to whether they in fact wishto delete that particular bar code. The user is enabled to change fromthe default setting by pressing the down button. As schematicallyrepresented in FIG. 60, assuming the user wishes to delete thatparticular bar code from memory they press the enter button 28. Thiscauses a screen 184 shown in FIG. 61 to be displayed on the portableterminal. This screen includes the prompt message to indicate that thebar code has been deleted. The user may then exit the routine bypressing the on/off button 30.

It should be understood that while the described embodiment operates tostore and to reproduce visible indicia corresponding to bar code, otherembodiments may produce other forms of indicia. This may include visualindicia that is intended to be read by machines for identificationpurposes as well as indicia intended to be read by the human eye. Anyform of indicia which can be read, stored in the memory of themultifunction card and/or displayed on the portable terminal is intendedto be encompassed by the present invention. As previously discussed, auser's signature is a further example of visual indicia that may bestored and selectively reproduced. Such indicia may also be transmittedby the terminal to a remote system and used to verify the authenticityof a transaction or for other purposes.

The exemplary embodiment also operates as a stored value card system andtransaction apparatus which operates to store value equivalent to a cashvalue in the memory of the multifunction card, as well as to transfervalue between the card and various accounts. The programmable memory 18on the multifunction card 12 may include therein any one of a number ofdifferent public or proprietary schemes for storing informationrepresentative of cash value. This value storage method may becompatible with other terminals which may read the memory and transferdata representative of value to or from the memory, while also operatingto transfer funds between accounts of the user and providers of goods,services or cash.

It should be understood that the multifunction card of exemplaryembodiments may store value in one or several forms of proprietaryschemes. For example the card may have cash value stored and associatedwith a Mondex® scheme. It may have a different cash value stored andassociated with a VISAS CASH scheme. The card may also store datarepresentative of cash values in any one of several other schemes.Although the present invention will be described with respect to a cardin which value representative of cash is stored thereon with respect toa single scheme, it should be understood that multiple schemes may beused. Further in the following description in which amounts may betransferred between accounts of the user, it is within the scope of theinvention to transfer amounts between one stored value proprietaryscheme stored in the programmable memory of the card to anotherproprietary scheme stored within the card. Such transfers may be made ina manner similar to transfers between accounts which are carried out bythe terminal as described hereafter, although it should be understoodthat in such situations additional steps are carried out by theprocessor in the portable terminal so as to decrement and increment thevarious stored value amounts stored in the memory of the card.

To facilitate accounting for such transactions it will also be desirablefor the portable terminal to connect to various remote locations whichprovide gateways to electronic transaction systems and networks whichassure that funds are properly accounted for. For example communicationwill be carried out with various remote systems to assure thatindications are provided that a user has transferred cash value on theircard from one stored value card scheme to another.

One of the common functions that a user will execute in connection withthe exemplary apparatus is to check the stored value representative ofcash that is stored on the programmable memory of the multifunctioncard. This is represented by the logic flow described with reference toFIGS. 62 and 63. FIG. 62 shows a screen 186. Screen 186 corresponds toscreen 76 of the main menu. Screen 186 prompts a user as to whether theywish to check the stored value balance on their multifunction card. Todo so the user presses the enter button 28. In response to the userselecting this item from the main menu the memory of the card is readand processor 36 causes a screen 188 shown in FIG. 63 to be displayed onthe portable terminal. This screen indicates to the user the currentcash value stored on the card. If the multifunction card includes storedvalue schemes for several different programs, intermediate screens maybe provided to prompt the user to select one of the several stored valueschemes which are employed on the card. As shown in FIG. 63 when a userhas finished displaying the stored value amount they may exit bypressing the on/off button 30.

The transfer of funds to the memory of the stored value card isrepresented by FIGS. 64-74. FIG. 64 shows a screen 190. Screen 190corresponds to screen 80 in FIG. 13 of the main menu. A user selects thetransaction which includes a transfer of value to their stored valuecard (which is the multifunction card) by pressing the enter button 28when screen 190 is displayed.

To transfer value representative of cash value onto the memory of themultifunction card, a source of the money to be transferred isidentified. This is done by the processor operating in response to theinstructions stored on the card to display a screen 192 shown in FIG.65. Screen 192 prompts a user to identify the source of the money to beadded into the memory of the card. The user is enabled to select thesource by pressing the up and down buttons which causes the varioussources of available funds to be selected. Such sources may includemoney stored in stored value schemes on the memory of the card itself.In the case of screen 192 if the user indicates that they want thesource of funds to be their BP_VISA card, this is indicated by pressingthe enter button 28 when this card designator is displayed.

After the source of the funds is designated, a screen 194 shown in FIG.66 is displayed. This screen prompts the user to enter the amount ofmoney to be added to the card. This is done by the user entering anumerical amount in a manner similar to the way that access codes anddesignators have been previously entered. However in the exemplaryembodiment only numerals may be entered in this step. The user entersthe numerical values by scrolling to the particular numerical valuedesired and then hitting the enter button 28. This causes the programlogic to move to the next value. After all the value characters havebeen entered as represented by screen 196 in FIG. 67 the user isprompted through a screen 198 shown in FIG. 68 as to whether they wantto add the amount input to their stored value card. As shown in screen198 the default value is “yes” however the user may change this to “no”by pressing the down button. For purposes of this example it will beassumed that the user wishes to add that amount and so indicates bypressing the enter button 28.

In response to the user indicating that they wish to add this amount tothe data representative of value in the memory of the multifunctioncard, the processor operates in response to instructions stored on thecard memory to contact the remote location appropriate to obtain fundsfrom the user's BP_VISA account, and to indicate that the amount hasbeen transferred onto the user's stored value card. In one embodimentthis is accomplished by the processor causing the communicationscomponent 52 to dial up the remote location. This is done using theaddress appropriate for making the connection which is preferably storedin memory on the card. In this case the address may be a telephonenumber. In alternative embodiments the address which the communicationscomponent uses to contact the appropriate location may be a node orTCP/IP address in a computer system such as a private intranet or publicsystem such as the interne. The particular approach depends on thenature of the system in which the portable terminal 14 is intended tooperate.

The portable terminal exchanges messages with the remote location andthe computer system therein, which operates to charge the user's accountfor the funds which are to be transferred as cash value onto the storedvalue card. Alternatively the terminal may communicate to a number oflocations to indicate both the charge to the user's account as well asto track accounting entries, so that it is recorded that the user nowhas such funds available in their particular stored value scheme.Various transaction messages are transferred between one or more remotelocations and the portable terminal so as to accomplish the transfer offunds. These messages may be in an ISO 8583 format or appropriatevariants thereof, or other proprietary message formats of suitabletypes, so as to accomplish the transfer of funds and a record thereof.In one exemplary embodiment, while the remote terminal is connecting tothe address a screen 200 shown in FIG. 69 is presented on the display ofthe remote terminal. As the remote terminal exchanges messages with theremote locations to transfer the funds after the connection has beenmade, the display of the remote terminal may present the screen 202shown in FIG. 70 to indicate that the transaction is going forward.

If the transaction is successfully completed, the remote terminaldisplays a screen 204 shown in FIG. 71 to indicate a transaction hasbeen approved. The logic next moves to cause a screen 206 to bedisplayed. Screen 206 which is shown in FIG. 72 is operative to show theuser the new stored value balance stored on the multifunction card.

If for some reason the terminal is unable to make connections to theremote location, either because it is unable to make a connection orbecause of some other malfunction, a screen 208 shown in FIG. 73 may bedisplayed. This screen prompts a user to select whether to retry thetransaction or to quit. Similarly the user may decide to turn theterminal off by pressing the on/off button 30. Alternatively the user'srequest to transfer the funds may be denied by the remote location, suchas because it would put the user over their credit limit. In suchcircumstances the instructions stored in the multifunction card arereceived from the remote location and causes screen 210 shown in FIG. 74to be presented on the terminal. This screen shows the user that thetransaction was denied and that their card balance remains at the prioramount. Of course the user is free to again attempt the transactionusing a different source of funds, or alternatively to transfer fundsfrom a different stored value scheme stored on the memory of the card.

The exemplary embodiment also enables transferring the value from thestored value card to one of the user's accounts. This may include forexample a checking or savings account which the user maintains with afinancial institution. Alternatively this may include transferring valuefrom one stored value scheme stored on the card to another stored valuescheme stored on the card.

The transfer of value from the stored value card is commenced in anexemplary embodiment from a screen 212 shown in FIG. 75. Screen 212corresponds to screen 78 in the main menu. Pressing the enter buttonfrom this screen causes the processor to execute various instructions onthe multifunction card associated with this transaction.

In executing the transfer from the card the user is next promptedthrough a screen 214 shown in FIG. 76 to identify a destination of thefunds. This is done by user using the up and down buttons to select oneof the available destinations. In this case the user has selected theaccount associated with the designator “KEY_BANK_ATM.” The selection ismade by pressing the enter button 28.

As shown in FIG. 77 the user must next enter an amount to be transferredfrom the memory of the stored value card into the designated account.The user must enter an amount which is prompted through a screen 216.The entry of an amount is accomplished in the manner previouslydescribed by using the up and down buttons and the enter button. In thecase of this example the user enters an amount to transfer of $200 asindicated by screen 218 in FIG. 78.

In response to the user entering the transfer amount, the terminal nextoperates to display a screen 220 shown in FIG. 79 in which the user isasked to confirm that they wish to make the transfer to the particularaccount. In the situations where the user is obtaining funds fromfinancial institutions or other sources where they may have multipleaccounts, the user may be prompted through additional screens to selectparticular accounts that may be held at the institutions which aresources of funds. This is demonstrated in FIGS. 80 and 81. For examplein screen 222 the user is first prompted to state whether they wish totransfer funds to savings. By pressing the down button the user maycause screen 224 to be displayed which then asks them if they prefer totransfer the funds into checking. For purposes of this example it willbe assumed that the user wishes to transfer the funds to checking, whichthey select by pressing button 28 as shown in FIG. 81.

When the user is transferring funds to or from a debit card account, thePIN (personal identification number) uniquely associated with the user'saccount is required to be input to gain access. The nature of theaccount which the user has identified as the destination or source offunds, is generally indicative that a PIN number is required for accessthereto. The instructions stored in memory on the card or the memory ofthe terminal may cause screens associated with the entry of a PIN numberand/or the selection of various accounts to be displayed when particularaccounts are selected.

In the present example because a bank account which requires the entryof a PIN number is being used as the destination of the funds, thestored instructions cause a screen 226 shown in FIG. 82 to be displayed.Screen 226 prompts the user to input a PIN number. The user inputs theirPIN number either by alphabetic or numerical characters in the mannerpreviously described for entry of designators and numerical values intothe remote terminal. Once the user has completed the input of their PINnumber as indicated by a screen 228 in FIG. 83, they are presented witha prompt that asks them to confirm the PIN number input. Confirming theinput in response to this prompt is done by pressing the enter button28. In embodiments where the biometrics reader is used, biometric datamay be used in addition to or in lieu of a PIN to identify the user to aremote system. Alternatively, a user's PIN number may be stored on thecard. If the user has first identified themselves with an access code orbiometric data to operate the terminal with the card, the level ofsecurity may be considered already sufficient that the PIN may berecalled from memory and forwarded by the terminal. Alternatively, theuser may be required to input biometric data and in response to theproper biometric input the PIN is recovered from the card memory andoutput by the terminal.

After the data required to conduct a transaction has been input, theuser is questioned concerning whether they wish for the transaction toproceed. As shown in FIG. 84 a screen 230 is presented which prompts theuser to confirm that they wish the transaction to go forward.Confirmation is presented by pressing the enter button. In responsethereto the remote terminal contacts the appropriate computer address totransfer the funds to the account designated. While this is being done,the screens 232 and 235 shown in FIGS. 85 and 86 are displayed. Aspreviously discussed contact may be via a phone system or by computernetwork to the appropriate address.

If the transaction is successfully completed, the instructions cause thescreen 236 shown in FIG. 87 to be displayed. In the exemplary embodimentthe instructions then cause the display of the screen 237 which showsthe user the amount of value remaining on the card.

While various methods of communicating between the remote terminal andthe remote locations may be used, in one exemplary embodiment it isdesirable for the communications device to include a wireless modem. Thewireless modem enables communication over a cellular telephone network.Appropriate encryption is provided to enhance security. This enables auser to transfer funds between the multifunction card and their variousaccounts from any convenient location where the user happens to be. Thismay be particularly advantageous when a user finds that they are in needof cash and do not have an automated teller machine or a telephone linereadily available. The user is enabled to load cash value onto themultifunction card so they can complete their transactions.

In addition while the exemplary embodiment has been described as beingused to make transactions from value stored on the card to variousaccounts of the user, embodiments may also be used to transfer fundsfrom the stored value card of one user to the stored value card ofanother user. This enables users to carry out the equivalent of cashtransactions using stored value cards. In such circumstances theterminal would contact the appropriate remote locations for recordingthe transfers of funds for accounting purposes, if necessary.Alternatively if sufficient security is provided, the electronicinformation corresponding to cash value may be deemed sufficientlyself-authenticating so that no independent accounting of the cash valueneed be kept in an external system.

Alternative embodiments can permit cards to be used in various ways. Forexample, an authorized user can create duplicate credit or debit cards.These additional cards can be provided to trusted friends or familymembers on a temporary basis. This will enable such individuals toaccess funds of the user when needed. This may be appropriate, forexample, when family members are traveling and are separated from theprimary card user.

Also, as previously discussed, a user is able to continue to use a largenumber of credit cards, debit cards, and other various forms of cardsand objects bearing indicia, without having to physically carry thosecards on their person. As a result, the user is enabled to keep suchcards at home or another secure location where they are less likely tobe lost or stolen.

Furthermore, an exemplary embodiment is highly flexible in configurationand can accommodate a number of different types of transactionsdepending on the instructions stored in the memory of the multifunctioncard and/or the portable terminal. As a result, the apparatus and methodof an exemplary embodiment is highly and readily adaptable to thecarrying out of different or additional transaction types, whetherfinancial or otherwise.

Furthermore, a financial transaction may require plural types ofinformation from a customer. Such required transaction data may includethe customer's financial account information and the customer'ssignature. As previously discussed, a user's signature can be stored ina programmable memory for later use in transactions. The storedsignature can be used as a legally binding electronic signature. Thestored electronic signature can comprise data representative of ahandwritten signature. For example, the electronic signature can be areproduction of a signature, such as a scanned handwritten signature.Alternatively, the signature may be data which a user has agreed willhave the legal effect as a written signature, or data which identifiesthe user. In an exemplary embodiment, user account data can also bestored along with the signature data. That is, account data andsignature data (and other data) can be stored in the programmable memoryof a user's portable hand-held device (e.g., multifunction card,terminal, phone). Hand-held devices have been previously discussed.

The stored account data can comprise checking account data. In anexemplary embodiment, a merchant transaction system is operative toreceive account data stored in a customer's portable hand-held device.Data representative of the user's signature and/or the user's financialaccount information can be transmitted from the user's (customer's)portable hand-held device to the merchant's transaction system. Wirelesscommunication can be used to transmit/receive data between the user'shand-held device (or the user's terminal) and the transaction system.For example, data may be transmitted/received via a communicationsdevice (e.g., modem, infrared transmitter, RFID, blue tooth device, orsimilar technology). In an exemplary embodiment the range ofcommunication between the user's hand-held device and the transactionsystem can be limited to a specific distance, such as a few inches to afew feet. The use of a limited wireless communication range can avoidinterference and permit communication only with the other device. Thecommunication may also be encrypted to ensure confidentiality of data.The merchant system can store the received financial account data andsignature data.

The account data stored in the hand-held device can be used ingenerating an electronic check. A merchant transaction system includesan electronic check template in storage in a computer (which may be alocal computer or a network host computer in operative connection withthe local computer). Alternatively, the merchant system can be operativeto communicate with a third party which has the electronic checktemplate and can generate electronic checks (and/or carry out thetransaction) for the merchant. The check template includes softwareoperative to receive customer account data to create an electroniccheck. The customer account data can include the necessary informationrequired by a merchant to accept a check as payment for a purchase. Forexample, the account data may include checking account number (and/orbank routing number), check number, name, address, phone number, bankname, or combinations thereof.

The electronic check-generating template can also have the check madepayable to the merchant. The template can be programmed to set the payeeas the merchant by default but have the ability to allow the merchant tochange the payee. The template can also receive purchase data from themerchant computer. This enables the template to automatically insert theamount of a purchase into the electronically generated check. That is,the purchase amount data can be used as the check amount. The checktemplate can also insert the current date (and other information, e.g.,time, store identification number, etc.) into the generated check.

FIG. 96 shows an electronic check-generating arrangement. A customerowns or has access to a portable hand-held device, e.g., a card 250,terminal 252, or phone 254. The hand-held devices include a programmablememory 256. A hand-held device may also include other features, such asa display screen 258, 260, function buttons or keys 262, and/or a camera264. The phone 254 may comprise a video cell phone. The customer'saccount data and/or signature 266 can be remotely wirelessly transmittedor read from the hand-held device (e.g., phone 254) to a merchant'sterminal 270, e.g., a checkout terminal or computer. As previouslydiscussed, the merchant terminal 270 may be connected to a network. Themerchant terminal 270 is in operative connection with an electroniccheck generating template 274.

As shown in FIG. 97, the base electronic check template 274 can includea starting check format 276 having the sections or fields 278 empty. Thetemplate software is able to fill these check fields 278 with the datanecessary to generate a legal financial check. The check fields to befilled may include the check value, the customer bank account number,payee, date, and the signature.

As previously discussed, a reproduction of the user's signature may bestored in the memory of a user's portable hand-held device (e.g., cardor phone). The user can display a reproduction of their signature on adisplay screen of the user's hand-held device (or terminal) so that themerchant can verify the signature. Verification may include visuallycomparing the electronic signature to a handwritten signature already ona user card or to a sample of the user's signature freshly handwrittenin view of the merchant.

Alternatively, with the merchant system having the customer's signaturedata, the merchant can display a reproduction of the signature on themerchant's own display screen for use in signature verification. Ofcourse, if the signatures lack acceptable correspondence in theverification process, then the merchant can end the transaction. Inother arrangements, signature comparison software may be used todetermine the validity of the customer's signature. Alternatively, inother embodiments other approaches to signature verification, such asways of validating electronic signatures, may be used.

After the merchant system obtains the account data and signature fromthe user, then the electronic check (with user account data andsignature) can be completed. The merchant system can store the receivedfinancial account data and signature data along with the transactiondata (e.g., purchase amount). The check-generating template software inthe merchant's system is able use the obtained electronic signature asthe signature in generating the electronic check. That is, theelectronic check template can insert the user's electronic signature orother corresponding data into the electronic check. The merchant systemcan display an image of the completed check on a display screen forviewing by the customer and the merchant for final approval.

The electronic check template can also insert a check number into thegenerated check. The check number can be received from the customer. Theprogrammable memory of the customer's hand-held device can incrementcheck numbers. For example, the last check number can be stored in thememory. The value of one can be added to the stored check number priorto transmission of the check number to the merchant system.Alternatively, the last check number can be incremented to create thenext check number prior to storage of the check number in theprogrammable memory. This next check number can then be stored with theother checking account data. The next check number (along with the otheraccount data) can then be received by the merchant system. Thus use ofcheck numbering enables a customer to more efficiently maintain a recordof the checks drawn from their checking account.

FIG. 98 shows a completed electronic check 280 generated by the merchantsystem. The check 280 has entries in the check fields. Respectiveentries include the written check value 282, the numeric check value283, the customer checking account/routing number 284, the merchant aspayee 286, the date 288, and the customer's signature 290. The checkgenerating software is also operative to insert other entries, such ascustomer address 292, bank name and address 294, check number 296, andmerchant transaction number 298. The completed check is acceptable bythe merchant as payment for a transaction.

The merchant system can transmit the completed electronic check to abank or electronic clearing house for account settlement. The electroniccheck can be transmitted in electronic format. In an exemplaryarrangement, the check is transmitted by the merchant terminal, thecheck is processed by the check clearing house, and the canceled (i.e.,cleared) check is returned to the merchant terminal, all in a short timeperiod. A canceled electronic check can contain a (unique) markingindicative of its cancellation. Of course this approach is exemplary andin other embodiments other approaches may be used.

The merchant system can have a printer device capable of printing a copyof the check (which may be canceled) for the customer. Merchants canalso add their own indicia to a printed check, with the indica (e.g., astamped marking) acknowledging receipt of customer payment.

Alternatively, the customer can receive (from the merchant terminal) andstore an image of the check in the hand-held device (e.g., phone) andview or print it later. There are many processes in which the hand-helddevice may receive the check image data. The check image may be receivedinto the hand-held device via the user's terminal or via other knowntransmission methods. Wireless data transmission can be carried out. Forexample, blue tooth technology can be implemented.

The check image can also be received into a user's hand-held device viaa camera built into the hand-held device (e.g., phone or videophone).That is, an image of the check can be captured by the camera. The checkimage can be stored in memory of the hand-held device. The storage of acanceled check in the hand-held device can serve as receipt of payment.

A user's portable hand-held device can also be used in a self-servicecheckout transaction. The portable hand-held device enables self-servicecheckout in retail establishments not normally associated therewith. Aretail store can have purchasable items (e.g., clothing) with anidentification (e.g., bar code, RFID tag) and an anti-theft tagassociated therewith. The anti-theft device needs to be neutralizedbefore the item can properly leave the store, otherwise an alarm will betripped (via sensors adjacent store exits). The anti-theft tag may be ofthe type that can be sensed and neutralized at a distance (e.g., usingmagnetic sensed tag, RF backscatter tag, RFID tag, or other tag typesthat can be “neutralized” on contact or from a short distance). The barcode (or similar identification indicia) may be attached to the item.Alternatively, a single bar code may correspond to a plurality of likeitems. For example, the bar code may be located on a common supportdevice (e.g., shelf) for a plurality of the items.

As shown together in FIG. 99 and FIG. 100, an exemplary embodiment aself-service checkout for an item purchase can be accomplished using thecustomer's portable hand-held device 300 (e.g., phone). The useroperates the phone to dial a phone number to establish communication(step 400) with a transaction payment system associated with aparticular retail store (or the particular retail item). The phonenumber can be the phone number assigned to that particular store whichhas the item that the customer desires to purchase. The store's phonenumber and instructions can be readily displayed throughout the storefor the customer's benefit. The transaction payment system may belocated in the store and/or on a network linked with a plurality ofother stores so they can share a common network host. That is, at leastpart of the transaction system (which can include a host with one ormore computers) may be remotely located from the store. The transactionsystem can match the phone number that the customer called to theparticular retail facility assigned to that phone number. Therefore, thetransaction system is able to know the exact merchandise establishmentat which the customer is attempting to purchase an item. The transactionsystem is able to accept purchase payment and cause the item'santi-theft tag to be neutralized or disabled or inactive. Thetransaction system can also handle billing for the purchase.

The customer has a camera 302 which can communicate with the phone 300,e.g., the camera may be part of the phone (e.g., videophone). After thecustomer's phone has established communication (step 400) with thestore's network host 310, the purchaser points the phone camera at thebar code 320 corresponding to the item. An image of the bar code 320 (ordata representative of the image) is captured and sent (step 402) to thetransaction system (e.g., host) 310. The transaction system can resolvethe bar code data and process the data to determine the price of theitem corresponding to the bar code (step 404). For example, thetransaction system may convert the digital image of the bar code tonumerical data, and then make a comparison of this numerical data toprice data to determine the item's price. Data in a data store 312 canbe utilized to make the corresponding data comparison. This priceinformation can be transmitted back for display (or by audible quote) onthe purchaser's phone (step 406). The customer can verify and agree(step 408) to the price as being correct to continue the transaction.Alternatively, the price information may be displayed on apurchaser-viewable display screen in the store. If the purchaserdisagrees with the determined price (or decides not to continue thepurchase) then the customer has the capability of terminating thetransaction.

In other embodiments, if a customer ends a transaction process thetransaction system can call back the customer via the phone and offer alower or discounted price for the item. The lower price may becalculated by using statistical analysis based on a variety of customerfactors, such as demographics, types of accounts, account balances,purchase history, credit history, etc. The discounted price may also belinked to other factors, such as the customer being required to open anew line of credit. Information about the customer may be obtainable viathe customer's phone number, or the customer may be requested to providemore information to determine if a discounted price applies to thatcustomer. In other embodiments, a loyal (repeat) customer may also bepresented price discounts.

Continuing with the purchase, the transaction payment system requeststhe buyer to transmit their account billing data. As previouslydiscussed, a customer account may be associated with MasterCard®, VISA®,American Express®, Novus®, Discovery®, or other common accounts, such aschecking, savings, mutual fund, and money market accounts. The accountdata is stored in memory in the user's hand-held device. The storedaccount data (and electronic signature if necessary) may be transmittedin a manner previously discussed, e.g., the user's phone (or otherhand-held device) transmits the user's account data.

The account data may be transmitted (step 410) wirelessly from thecustomer's hand-held device to an in-store merchant terminal 330. Thetransaction system can include the merchant's terminal. The transactionmay be handled locally via the merchant's in-store terminal, which cancomprise a computer, communication devices, and communicate with thehost. Alternatively, the merchant's terminal can pass the receivedaccount data (and signature if necessary) to another (network host)computer located remotely from the store. The merchant's terminal canhave access to the identification of the store in which the terminal islocated, and access to identification(s) of the store's neutralizer(s).The identification data may be stored locally in terminal memory. Themerchant's network terminal can transmit the stored (store andneutralizer) ID data to the network host. This ID data may be sent alongwith the customer's account data from the merchant's terminal to thehost.

In other embodiments the account data may be transmitted from the phonedirectly (e.g., via a phone network) to the remote host computer,without use of the merchant's terminal. For example, the account data(and a PIN if necessary) may be transmitted by entering data via thephone keys. Thus, a transaction system can be located only locally(e.g., as the in-store terminal), or partially located both locally andremotely (e.g., as a combination of the in-store terminal and remotehost), or completely located remotely.

The transaction system can communicate with other finance systems 314 todetermine whether the user-provided account data is acceptable in payingfor an item. It should be understood that it is within the scope of theinvention for other data or information (e.g., store location/ID, morecustomer identification, yes/no prompts) to be communicated between thecustomer's phone and the transaction system in order to carry out thepurchase transaction. Upon the customer's account data being approvedfor the transaction, the customer's account 316 can be charged the costof the item (step 412).

After payment for the purchase has been approved by the transactionpayment system, the security tag can be neutralized (step 414). The userplaces the purchased item adjacent to an in-store tag neutralizer device(if not already adjacent thereto). The neutralizer device may be on anitem shelf, or at a self-service checkout area of the store, or part ofan in-store merchant transaction system. The transaction system cancommunicate with the tag neutralizing device. The transaction system cancause the neutralizing device to neutralize the security tagcorresponding to the particular purchased item.

In other embodiments the transaction system may communicate with the tagneutralizer via the customer's phone. For example, the transactionsystem can send a code to the customer's phone. The code may comprise aunique audible frequency tone that is recognizable by the tagneutralizer as an instruction to cause neutralization of a particularitem's tag. The code may be stored in the phone and later played whenthe customer is ready to exit the store, or the customer may beinstructed to place the phone adjacent the neutralizer prior to sendingthe tone.

In the exemplary embodiment the anti-theft tag cannot be neutralizeduntil after the user's account has been charged for the item. However,the tag may be neutralized simultaneously with the user's accountgetting billed for the item. Once the item has been neutralized, theuser can carry the purchased item out of the store without the itemtripping the alarm. The arrangement enables a person to check out itemsat a store shelf, at a self-service check out area, or anyplace a devicefor neutralizing the anti-theft tag can be located.

As previously discussed, the transaction system can communicate with thetag neutralizing device. In other arrangements there can be feedbackbetween the neutralizer device and the transaction system. Thetransaction system can use the feedback to verify usage of theneutralizer device (and authenticity of the transaction). Thetransaction system can also use the feedback to ensure that the customeris using the correct neutralizing device.

In an exemplary feedback arrangement, the neutralizer has an identifier(e.g., number, symbol, marking, etc.) which the customer's phone cameracan capture and send to the transaction payment system. The neutralizermay have a permanently assigned number as an identifier. Alternatively,the neutralizer may have a changeable identifier. For example, theneutralizer can have an output device that can display the latestidentifier sent from the transaction system (e.g., host). The displayedidentifier may comprise a transaction symbol or number (e.g., randomnumber, date, time, or any combination thereof).

The transaction system has the neutralizer's identifier stored inmemory. If the image of the identifier received from the phone cameradoes not match or correspond to an identifier currently stored in thetransaction system's memory for that particular neutralizer, then thetransaction system does not recognize the neutralizer (or thetransaction) as valid. Hence, the transaction system does not attempt toneutralize the tag. The purchase transaction is terminated andnullified. The feedback arrangement reduces the risk of the system beingtricked, and ensures that the customer is at the proper neutralizer.

In other arrangements the transaction process can be carried out withthe item's identifier being read with a device other than a phonecamera. For example, the customer's hand-held device (e.g., phone) mayinclude a bar code reader. Thus, a bar code may be read with the barcode reader, instead of via a camera. The bar code can be read as anumber, and the number transmitted as data (instead of an image) to thetransaction system. Alternatively, the phone may have a processor andsoftware that can convert an image to data. Thus, the phone cantransform a captured bar code image into data (e.g., a number) prior totransmitting the data (e.g., number) to the transaction system.Likewise, if an item's identifier comprises an RFID tag, then thecustomer's hand-held device (e.g., phone) may include an RFID tagreader. Again, the customer's hand-held device (e.g., phone) cantransmit an item's identifier as a number instead of as an image. Itshould be understood that other communication arrangements between thehand-held device and the transaction payment system are within the scopeof the invention. For example, one-way or two-way Internet communicationbetween the hand-held device and the transaction system may be used. Thehand-held device may transmit an item's identifier information to thetransaction payment system via the Internet. The hand-held device canhave wireless link with the Internet. Thus, the hand-held device cantransmit data (image and/or numerical data) to the Internet address ofthe transaction system.

In another exemplary embodiment the item to be purchased includes atleast one RFID tag as an anti-theft tag. The neutralizer can be operatedto change the programming of the item's RFID tag. For example, the RFIDtag can be changed to a unique number (e.g., transaction number) forthat shopping visit. The unique number can be recognized as acceptableby the security system. If any other RFID value other than the uniquenumber is sensed as the item goes by the store's exit sensor, then thealarm sounds.

In other embodiments the anti-theft tag neutralizing (or reprogrammingof an RFID tag) can be accomplished through the user's portablehand-held device (e.g., phone). The phone is placed adjacent to the itemhaving the tag. The transaction system sends a specific signal or codethrough the phone which is receivable by the anti-theft tag to causeneutralization (or reprogramming) thereof.

As previously discussed, the transaction system can send the chargetransaction. In other arrangements an in-store computer can be used tosend the charge transaction, and the store computer can also be used toconfirm that the store received payment for the item. If the phone isdialed into the store computer for providing pictures and account data,then the store computer can route the transaction to the bank.Alternatively, a store computer can accrue what is being bought andtotal the payment owed. When the user is ready to leave the store theydisconnect their call with the store computer. The store computer hasthe bank computer call back the user's phone. The bank, such as througha person or through an automated system such as an interactive voiceresponse system, advises the user that they will owe so much to thestore. The user can authorize the purchase agreement with the bank viainputs to the phone, such as spoken inputs and/or the pressing of phonekeys. Once the store is notified that authorization for payment hasoccurred, then the store can let the item (or items) out of the storewithout the alarm sounding. For example, the store can let an itemhaving an (RFID) number corresponding to the bar code pass through thesecurity system without requiring tag neutralization or modification.

A further exemplary operation of purchasing a merchant item via aself-service checkout using a customer's phone 300 can also be describedwith regard to FIG. 99. The customer uses their phone to call thestore's (toll free) phone number. As previously discussed, the phonenumber may be displayed throughout the store. The phone number may beassigned to that particular store or it may be a phone number shared byseveral stores. Nevertheless, the call is answered by the transactionsystem host 310, and communication is established between customer'sphone and the host. The customer is instructed to transmit an image ofthe item's identifier (e.g., bar code 320). The identifier image iscaptured by the phone's camera 302 and transmitted via the phone tonetwork host. The host 310 obtains a price corresponding to the receivedidentifier. As previously discussed, the price assigned to the item'sidentifier may be determined by the host computer or it may be providedfrom a secondary data source 312. Nevertheless, a price is matched withthe item via the item's identifier (e.g., bar code). The price of theitem transmitted from the host (or secondary source) back to thecustomer's phone and displayed thereon. The customer then must agree tothe displayed price to continue the purchase, or else the transaction isterminated by the host. A termination may include notifying the customerof such act. It should also be understood that the customer may alsoterminate the transaction at any time prior to payment. Agreement can beacknowledged via the pressing of a particular phone button(s), providingvoice input(s), or both depending on the particular system.

Following agreement, the customer is requested by the host to transmitan image of an identification (ID) 332 of the in-storeterminal/neutralizer 330 at which the customer wants to make thepayment. The ID image is captured by the phone camera and transmitted tohost. The host must recognize the ID as valid to continue the checkout,or else the purchase transaction is terminated by the host. After IDvalidation, the host places transaction data (e.g., description of item,price of item, etc.) that corresponds to the customer's purchase in thepayment queue of the particular terminal/neutralizer corresponding tothe ID. The customer is notified (e.g., by the host and/or theterminal/neutralizer) that the terminal/neutralizer is ready to acceptpayment for their purchase. The terminal/neutralizer is able to displaythe transactions in the payment queue. The payment queue contains theorder in which the transactions are to be paid. The payment queue may bea first-in first-out type of queue. For example, the transaction in thequeue may be ordered based on time. Only one transaction can be paid forat a time. That is, the terminal/neutralizer views only one transactionas being “active” for payment. Any account data received by theterminal/neutralizer will be applied toward the currently activetransaction. The payment queue can be adjusted by the customer (ifnecessary) to ensure that their transaction is displayed as the activetransaction.

The customer then transmits account data from their phone 300 to theterminal/neutralizer 330. The terminal/neutralizer 330 transmits thisreceived account data to the host 310. The host seeks approval of theaccount data as being acceptable for the transaction payment. Theprocess of approval may include other financial sources 314, as is wellknown. If the transaction is denied payment approval, then the hostterminates the transaction.

If the customer's account data is approved for payment, then thecustomer's account 316 is correlated with payment for the item(s) in thepurchase. After the host is notified of payment, then the host instructsthe particular terminal/neutralizer 330 to function to neutralize theitem's anti-theft tag. This act may range from simply turning on theneutralizer to having the neutralizer only neutralize a specific tag.The operation of security tag neutralizers is well known and need not bediscussed further. The customer can next place (e.g., locate, wave,scan) the item adjacent to the terminal/neutralizer (if not alreadyplaced) and the item's tag is neutralized. The customer can then exitthe store with the purchased item, without the item tripping anysecurity alarms.

The portable hand-held device (e.g., phone) also enables a user thereofto obtain cash in a manner similar to making an item purchase. A user ofthe portable hand-held device can obtain cash from an ATM located in aretail establishment (e.g., merchant store, restaurant, sportingfacility). For example, an in-store ATM can be on the store's computernetwork. The ATM can be a recycler type of ATM that can both receivecurrency and dispense received currency. A recycler ATM enables theretail establishment to efficiently make use of excess cash.

An exemplary operation of purchasing cash with a hand-held device willnow be described with respect to FIG. 101 and FIG. 102. Communication isestablished between the customer's phone 600 and the store network 610(step 500). The customer requests a cash withdrawal (step 502). Theamount of cash requested may be included in the initial request, or theamount may be transmitted later. The customer has to transmit thenecessary information in order to have the cash request granted. Therequired information may include customer account data, customersignature, account PIN, identity of the ATM, and/or amount of requestedcash.

An ATM 620 has an identifier 622, such as a machine ID number or a barcode ID, visibly located thereon. Likewise, the ATM's display screen mayhave an identifier (e.g., random number, symbols) displayed thereon. Theuser can point their phone camera 602 at the ATM to obtain an image ofthe ATM's identifier 622, else the user can enter the identifier (if itis a number) via the phone keys. Hence, the customer can transmit theirrequested amount of cash along with the ID of an in-store ATM to thehost (step 504). The requested amount of cash can likewise be enteredvia the phone keys. Of course, other known ways of entering data may beused, such as voice to data conversion.

Continuing with the cash purchase, the customer can transmit (step 508)any necessary transaction data (e.g., customer account data, signature,PIN) not already provided via wireless communication from the phone 600to a transaction system computer 630, such as in a manner previouslydiscussed. The transaction computer can be a local in-storeself-checkout terminal 630 which is in communication with the storenetwork 610. The transaction data may or may not be stored in the phonememory prior to its transfer to the store network.

Alternatively, the customer may initially transmit transaction data fromthe phone to the in-store terminal 630. This data may correspond to justthe customer account, signature, and/or PIN. In such a scenario, at thispoint in the cash purchase process the customer may be requested toprovide (via their phone to the network) how much cash they want and theidentity of the particular ATM. As previously discussed, the customercan use their phone to transmit the ATM identifier and the desiredamount of cash to the store network. The transmitting may involve aphone line network or the Internet. The phone can be used to transmitthe ATM identifier and the cash amount to a network device (or location)remote from the store.

The store network (which may include a secondary financial network)checks the received transaction data to determine 614 whether therequested cash withdrawal should be permitted. With network approval(step 510) of the requested cash withdrawal, the requested cash may thenbe dispensed via a cash dispenser in the ATM. Responsive to theapproval, the store network 610 correlates (e.g., charges, debits,bills, etc.) the customer's account 616 with the cash purchase (step512), similar to a merchandise purchase. The store network instructs thein-store ATM 620 (i.e., the ATM corresponding to the customer-providedATM identifier 622) to dispense the requested cash amount. Theinstruction to the ATM may cause the ATM to immediately dispense therequested cash (step 514). The store may receive a service fee forproviding the cash.

Furthermore, instead of instructing the ATM to immediately dispense thecash, the store network can provide (via the phone or a receipt) a codeto the customer (step 516). This code (e.g., a number or a combinationof numbers/letters) can later be inputted by the customer into thein-store ATM to receive the requested cash. The store network authorizesthe ATM to dispense the requested cash amount upon receiving theinputted code (step 518). The ATM may also have a walk-up code inputdevice that does not require conventional user verification input tooperate, or other suitable input device. That is, the user does not haveto insert an ATM card into the ATM prior to obtaining their cash. Forexample, the customer can approach the ATM, the customer inputs only thecode, the ATM dispenses the cash corresponding to the code, and thecustomer takes their purchased cash. The ATM input device can have keysthat are operative to accept manual input of the code. The ATM inputdevice can also be operative to accept wirelessly communicated input viathe phone. Furthermore, the code provided to the customer may be anetwork code. The network code may be used by the customer at any ATM inany store on the network. Alternatively, other identifiers, such as abiometric feature associated with the user or another type of associatedidentifier, may be used.

An alternative exemplary operation of purchasing cash will now bedescribed also with respect to FIG. 101 and FIG. 102. This operationincludes the additional step (step 506) of the host determining whetherthe selected ATM is able to perform the requested cash dispensing.

Communication is established (step 500) between the customer's portablehand-held device 600 (e.g., phone) and the store network 610. Thecustomer requests a cash withdrawal (step 502). The customer isinstructed to transmit request data (e.g., amount of cash withdrawaland/or ATM identifier). Instructions to the customer may be received viathe customer's phone.

Continuing with the cash purchase, the customer transmits (step 504) thecash request data (e.g., amount of cash and/or ATM identifier). Thecustomer may transmit data to the network (or an in-store terminalthereof) via the customer's phone. As previously discussed, the phonecamera 602 may be used to transmit an image of an ATM identifier 622.

In certain arrangements the store may be assigned a default ATM. This isparticularly useful when the store has a single ATM. The network usesthe store's only ATM as the default ATM. Therefore, when the customercalls the store's phone number, the network matches the phone number tothe store and determines the identity of the store's ATM from a datafile. Hence, when a customer initially calls in an in-store cashwithdrawal request, the phone number called informs the network whichATM to use. This arrangement can alleviate a customer from having toidentify the ATM.

The network 610 may be programmed to check 612 the status and/or abilityof the identified ATM to dispense the requested cash amount (step 506).The network confirms the ATM status as valid. Otherwise, the transactionis terminated. In other arrangements, the customer may be givenadditional options instead of terminating the transaction. For example,the customer may be provided the option of requesting a specificallydifferent (e.g., nearby) ATM on the network, or the option of receivinga network code which enables the customer to receive their cash at anyATM on the network.

After the network confirms the ATM(s) involved in the cash dispense,then the customer is instructed to transmit (step 508) their accountdata that is to be used for payment. Again, the customer can transmitthe account data (e.g., customer account data, signature, PIN) viawireless communication from the phone 600 to an in-store terminal 630 onthe network. The network determines 614 (or has another system verify)whether the received account data is valid for payment of the requestedcash purchase. The account data is deemed acceptable for payment (step510), else the transaction is terminated. In other arrangements, thecustomer may be given another chance to continue the transaction. Forexample, the customer may be provided the opportunity to transmitdifferent account data (e.g., a different customer account) for payment.If so, the network would again check the validity of the account forpurposes of payment.

After the customer's account data is deemed acceptable for payment (step510), then the store network (or another system with which the networkcan communicate) correlates (e.g., charges, debits, bills, etc.) thecustomer's account 616 with the cash purchase (step 512). The storenetwork enables (e.g., authorizes) the indicated ATM to dispense therequested cash. This enablement may include instructing the indicatedin-store ATM to immediately dispense the requested cash (step 514).Alternatively, the customer may be provided a code (step 516). The codemay be received by the customer via the customer's phone or in someother manner, such as by a paper receipt. Hence, the enablement mayinclude instructing or authorizing the indicated ATM to dispense therequested cash only in response to receiving the inputted code (step518). Also, if the code is a network code (instead of a code onlyuseable at a specific ATM) then the enablement may include instructingall the ATMs on the store network to dispense the requested cash uponreceiving the inputted code. As previously discussed, the ATMs may alsohave a walk-up code input device or other suitable input device.

It should also be understood that the store network can communicate withan independent ATM network. The ATM network can have and control theplurality of ATMs thereon. The store can act on behalf of the customerto obtain cash from a particular ATM, such as an in-store ATM. That is,the store can act as an intermediary between the customer and the ATMnetwork. After the store receives customer payment for the requestedcash, then the store can request the host of the ATM network to dispensethe cash on its behalf The ATM network charges or bills the store forthe cash. The ATM network host can then instruct the particular ATM todispense the requested cash. The store may charge a service fee from thecustomer for providing its service.

It should be understood that it is within the scope of the invention tolikewise purchase merchandise or cash from a store using stored value ina user's portable hand-held device (e.g., phone). That is, a purchasecan also be made using a phone's stored cash value instead of (or incombination with) the phone's customer account data (and signature andPIN). The phone's stored value can be directly reduced, or the phone canhold the transaction data for later use in providing a charge againstthe user's account.

Likewise a purchase (of merchandise or cash) can be made with anelectronic check, as previously discussed. The store can accrue thetotal cost of purchase. The user's portable hand-held device (e.g.,phone) can send checking account and signature data (e.g., via IF or IRlink) to the store computer's check-generating template. As previouslydiscussed, the store computer can have the bank computer seekauthorization from the user to carry out the transaction. Afterconfirmation that an electronic check payment has occurred, then thestore can complete the purchase, such as by letting the merchandise outof the store without tripping the alarm, or causing the ATM to dispensethe requested cash withdrawal.

As previously discussed, a multifunction card can store datacorresponding to plurality of accounts in its memory. The memory can beprogrammable memory, such as the programmable memory 18 in themultifunction card 12 shown in FIG. 1. As previously discussed withreference to FIGS. 32-41, data corresponding to a stored account can beselected and placed on the magnetic stripe 16 (or other memory device)of the card 12. That is, magnetic stripe data can be changed to reflectthe account selected from a plurality of accounts. As previouslydiscussed, a (portable) terminal 14 can be used in changing the magneticstripe data to reflect a different account. The user identifies theaccount in the card memory whose identifying indicia is to betransferred to the magnetic stripe (or strip) of the multifunction card.In response to the selection of a particular account in card memory, itsindicia and other information is transferred to the terminal memory. Theuser passes the card through the terminal so that the magnetic indiciacorresponding to the selected account is written to the magnetic stripeof the multifunction card. The user can then take the multifunction cardand present it to any standard transaction terminal which accepts thattype of magnetic stripe card.

In a further exemplary embodiment the exterior appearance of themultifunction (or multi-account) card can also be (visually) changed todirectly correspond to the account selected for the magnetic stripe. Theprogrammable memory of the card can be used to store both data andimages for each account. That is, the card memory can store correlatedaccount data and image data for each respective account. Both theaccount data and image data for a selected account can be transferred toa terminal in the manner previously discussed. The image data can beused by the terminal to electronically activate the card to change itsappearance.

Alternatively, the portable terminal itself can store the correlatingimage data in a data store. The card can store an associated image codefor each account. The card can provide the code to the terminal duringthe changing of the magnetic stripe data. The terminal can use the codeto retrieve the appropriate card image data from the terminal memory. Asdiscussed in more detail later, the terminal can change the externalappearance of one of both faces of the card.

In another arrangement the terminal receives the account data from thecard. Terminal memory (or a remote data source in operativecommunication with the terminal) includes account data correlated withimage data. The terminal then attempts to correlate the received accountdata to image data stored in terminal memory (or a remote data source).With a successful match, the terminal also changes both the magneticstripe data and the card image. Without a successful match, the terminalchanges only the magnetic stripe data.

The card can have a respective particular image for each respectiveselected account. For example, a first image (VISA® logo) on the cardcan correspond to a VISA® account. Likewise, a second different image(MasterCard® logo) on the same card can correspond to a MasterCard®account. Upon user selection of a particular account from the card'sprogrammable memory (or another data source), the card's magnetic stripeis loaded with that particular account's data and the card changes intothe appearance of an issued card associated with that particularaccount. Thus, user selection of the VISA® account from the card'sprogrammable memory causes both the card's magnetic stripe to be loadedwith the necessary VISA® account data and the appearance of themultifunction card to be changed to reflect the appearance of an issuedVISAS card. A new selection of the MasterCard® account from the card'sprogrammable memory causes both the card's magnetic stripe to be loadedwith the MasterCard® account data and the appearance of themultifunction card to match that of an issued MasterCard® card. Theexemplary multifunction card is not limited to only being used asdifferent account cards with different magnetic stripe data, but canalso take on the appearance of these account cards.

FIG. 103 shows the front face 702 of a multifunction card 700 having theappearance of a VISA® card issued from Nice Bank. FIG. 104 shows therear face 704 of the multifunction card 700, which corresponds with thedata on the front face 702. The account data on the magnetic stripe 706corresponds to account data (i.e., VISA® account 1111 2222 3333 4444)shown on both faces of the card 700.

FIG. 105 shows the front face 702 of the multifunction card 700 havingthe appearance of a MasterCard® card issued from Honest Bank. FIG. 106shows the rear face 704 of the multifunction card 700, which correspondswith the front face 702. The account data on the magnetic stripe 706corresponds to account data (i.e., MasterCard® account 1234 5678 90123456) shown on both faces of the card 700.

In FIGS. 103 and 105 the image appearing on the front face 702 of themultifunction card 700 has changed with respect to card logo 708, bankname 710, account number 712, expiration date 714, symbol or hologram716, and card holder name size 718. In FIGS. 104 and 106 the imageappearing on the rear face 704 of the multifunction card 700 has changedwith respect to account number 720, agreement 722, and greeting 724. Itshould be understood that items that may appear the same on eachdisplayed rear face image may actually be from different images. Forexample, “AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE” may be from in two separate differentimages, yet it happens to be displayed at the same location in bothversions of the card. As discussed in more detail hereinafter, theappearance on a face of a card can be the result of plural displayed(small) images instead of only a single displayed (large) image.

As shown in FIGS. 103-106, the same multifunction card 700 can be usedto display different card images. Furthermore, a displayed card imagecan correspond to the particular account in the magnetic stripe 706 ofthe card 700. Hence, one multifunction card can take the place (inmagnetic stripe data and card appearance) of a plurality of otherdifferent cards.

An exemplary embodiment uses electronic ink to display a card imagecorresponding to an account stored in card memory. For reasons ofbrevity and to avoid confusion, reference to “electronic ink” hereinwill be used to include all known versions and descriptions relating toelectronic ink, such as (but not limited to) “electronic ink”, “E Ink”,“e-ink”, “electrophoretic ink”, “electronic paper”, “Epaper”, “epaper”,“Gyricon”, “SmartPaper™”, and “radio paper.”

Although the physical structure of electronic inks may vary, theelectronic inks have common components or characteristics that give themthe ability to rearrange upon command. The imaging capability can becontrolled, e.g., electronically controlled. The electronic inktechnologies associated with companies such as E Ink Corporation andGyricon Media Inc. may be used in a reusable multifunction card of anexemplary embodiment.

A multifunction card of the exemplary embodiment can have both amagnetic stripe and a visual image corresponding to a selected accountstored in card memory. Likewise, the card's visual image and activememory (e.g., magnetic stripe and/or smart chip) can correspond to eachother. Thus, a sole card can function as many cards with the user'sability to selectively change the appearance and memory of the card.

The exemplary embodiment can extend the use of the programmable memoryof the card. The card can have a high resolution, active-matrixgraphical color display using electronic ink. An electronic ink card canalso have a miniature power connector to receive power (e.g., electricpower) from a terminal (or other energy source or driver) to set/changethe card image.

When a user is enabled to operate the terminal and selects one of theaccounts stored in memory, besides writing the account datacorresponding to the selected account on the magnetic stripe of thecard, the terminal can use the image data corresponding to the selectedaccount to cause the card to change to an appearance like the cardissued by the corresponding institution. For example, a selected VISA®account from Nice Bank will cause the electronic ink to display an imageon the card of their (VISA® and Nice Bank) logos, a VISA® hologram, andother data on a first face (front side) of the card. An image of theuser's signature and other data (with the magnetic stripe) can bedisplayed in a space on the other face (back side) of the multifunctioncard. As previously discussed, a reproduction of the user's signaturecan be stored in the memory of the card. The user's signature can bestored as a part of each card image or the user's signature can beseparately stored. A separately stored signature image can be retrievedand then placed on every card format (as a separate or distinct image onthe card). Of course the signature image may be displayed on differentelectronic ink cards at different locations.

The magnetic stripe can remain in a fixed location on the multifunctioncard. Such location can be the standard position on magnetic stripecards to enable the reading thereof by magnetic stripe readers. Inalternative embodiments discussed in more detail later, the electronicink itself can be arranged to create a readable field (e.g., magneticfield). The electronic ink can include a material that can be magnetizedor otherwise exhibit magnetic properties. Such an arrangement enables amagnetic stripe to be created and changed via the electronic ink. Thus,use of a permanent magnetic stripe at a fixed location on a card can beeliminated.

A multifunction card is not limited to displaying only financial accountcards. A multifunction card can also act as a chameleon for other typesof cards. For example, if an card/account corresponding to a driver'slicense is selected, then the electronic ink can be changed to display aphotograph of the driver, the driver's signature, and a bar code on oneside of the card, and the other side of the card can display text data.

A multifunction memory (e.g., magnetic stripe and/or smart chip) cardcan be created with the looks and characteristics of a stand alonesingle issued card. The multifunction card can repeatedly have itsappearance changed to correspond to any change in magnetic stripe data.The card's image (e.g., a VISA® card) can always match the account(e.g., VISA® account) currently stored in the card's magnetic stripe. Aspreviously discussed, the same multifunction card can be used in aplurality of card situations, including those situations involving cardreaders, bar code readers, visual inspections for signature, etc.

In the exemplary embodiment, the multifunction card includes electronicink that uses the principal of electrophoresis, the movement imparted byan electric field to charged particles that are suspended in a liquid.The electronic ink comprises a liquid substance that responds toelectrical impulses to enable changeable text and image displays on aflexible surface. The electronic ink can include millions of tiny“switchable” microcapsules or cavities. The microcapsules can be oftransparent polymer. The microcapsules can be suspended in a liquidcarrier medium that allows them to be printed. The microcapsules can beabout 100 microns wide. Each microcapsule can be filled with an ink oroily substance (dark dye), along with hundreds of pigmented chips (orballs or particles) which have a positive or negative charge and whichcan move or float inside the microcapsules. For example, the chips maybe white and the ink blue.

A microcapsule may be positioned adjacent a single electrode orpositioned between two electrodes to receive an electric charge. When anelectrical charge is applied to a microcapsule, the chips therein moveeither to the top or the bottom of the microcapsule (depending on theapplied polarity of the charge and the charge of the chips). Whenpulled/pushed to the top, white chips make the microcapsule look white.This makes the surface of a card appear white to a viewer at that spot.When white chips are pulled/pushed to the bottom, then only the dark inkis viewed (at the top of the microcapsule). This makes the surface of acard appear dark to a viewer at that spot. A pattern of charges appliedin concert enables a card to have a display of images and text. Patternsof white and dark can be created on a large scale (such as the size of acard) to form on a card black words and sentences on a white background(or vice versa).

FIG. 107 shows an electronic ink microcapsule 740 with white chips 742therein. It should be understood that the examples herein regardingelectronic ink are not necessarily drawn to scale. The microcapsule 740also includes dark liquid 744 therein (although not shown as dark forreasons of clarity). The chips 742 are positively charged. Themicrocapsule 740 is positioned between an upper negative electrode 746and a lower positive electrode 748. The difference in polarity causesthe chips 742 to be positioned adjacent the top of the microcapsule 740.In this shown example the microcapsule 740 would appear white whenviewed from the top. Contrarily, when viewed from the bottom themicrocapsule 740 would appear dark.

It should be understood that alternative arrangements of microcapsulesmay be used. For example, microcapsules can be used that contain chipsof different colors. Dark chips can take the place of dark liquid inrepresenting a dark surface. Microcapsules can have positively chargedwhite pigment chips and negatively charged black pigment chips (or viceversa) suspended in a clear fluid. The white particles can be a solidsphere of white titanium dioxide. The microcapsules can be positioned(printed) between thin, flexible electrodes, e.g., a top transparentelectrode and a bottom electrode. When a (top) negative electric fieldis applied or generated, the white particles (e.g., chips) move to thetop of the microcapsule where they become visible to the card user. Anopposite (bottom, positive) electric field can pull the black particlesto the bottom of the microcapsule where they are hidden from view. Thecapsules become visible to a user as white. When charge is reversed, theparticles are moved to make the capsules look darker. Suspended in aliquid such as water, the microcapsules can be printed on a surface oran electrode-bearing material just like regular ink.

It should be understood that different particle/chip and electrodearrangements may also be used. For example, an arrangement may includepositively charged black chips and negatively charged white chips.

FIG. 108 shows a microcapsule 750 with white chips 752 and dark (black)chips 754 therein. The microcapsule also includes a clear liquid 756therein. The white chips 752 are negatively charged. The dark chips 754are positively charged. The microcapsule 750 is positioned between anupper negative electrode 758 and a lower positive electrode 760. Thecharged electrodes 758, 760 cause the dark chips 754 to relocate to afirst microcapsule end 762 (i.e., the top end), whereas the white chips752 gather at the opposite microcapsule end 764 (i.e., the bottom end).In this example the microcapsule 750 would appear dark when viewed fromthe top.

FIG. 109 also shows a microcapsule 770 with white chips 772 and darkchips 774 therein. The microcapsule 770 also includes a clear liquid 776therein. The white chips 772 are negatively charged. The dark chips 774are positively charged. The microcapsule 770 is positioned in a gapbetween pairs of upper and lower electrodes. The pairs of electrodesinclude both positive and negative electrodes. One electrode pair has anupper negative charge 778 and a lower positive charge 780. The otherelectrode pair has an upper positive charge 782 and a lower negativecharge 784. The mixed charges acting on the microcapsule 770 cause thechips in the left and right halves of the microcapsule 770 to actdifferently. The dark chips 774 in the left half are moved to the top ofthat half. The white chips 772 in the left half are moved to the bottomof that half. The white chips 772 in the right half are moved to the topof that half. The dark chips 774 in the right half are moved to thebottom of that half. In this example the microcapsule 770 would appearas a combination of white and dark when viewed from the top. Such ancolor arrangement could be used as a border between dark text on a whitesurface. Of course placing the microcapsules of FIGS. 107 and 108adjacent each other can also result in the creation of a dark/lightboundary.

In other embodiments, higher voltages can be implemented to causemovement of colored (red, blue, green) chips, which may also be of adifferent weight.

Alternatively, Gyricon display technology may be used. A Gyricon sheet(of electronic reusable paper) can be a thin layer (e.g., about 12-15mils) of transparent plastic or silicon rubber in which millions ofmicroscopic beads or balls are randomly dispersed. The beads can be ofplastic with a diameter of about 0.03-0.1 millimeters. Smaller sizedbeads can be used for higher resolution. Each bead can be contained inan oil-filled cavity or pocket (which may be a microcapsule). Thecavities can be formed by a rubber (or plastic) sheet absorbing oil toproduce oil-filled pockets around each bead. Each bead is free to rotatewithin its cavity. The solid beads can be black on one side (first half)and white on the other side (second half). That is, the beads can bebichromal or two-tone, with hemispheres of two contrasting colors (e.g.,black/white, red/white, green/black, blue/red, first color/second color,etc.). The bichromal beads/balls can be charged so that they exhibit anelectrical dipole. Each bead can be given an electric charge that isgreater on one side than the other. For example, one side may bepositively charged and the other side negatively charged. The rotationalorientation of a bead can be manipulated via electric impulse. Whenvoltage is applied to the surface of the sheet, the beads rotate (and/ortwist) to present one colored side (or a portion of a side) to theviewer or viewing plane. The beads can be rotated fully (180 degrees) orpartially (>0 to <180 degrees) to produce colored patterns on the sheetsurface. Patterns of voltages can be applied to the surface to createparticular images, including text and pictures. Together the beads canact as pixels to display the images. The images can be updated much thesame way as with a display monitor. The image will persist until a newvoltage pattern is applied. The cavities can be positioned adjacent asingle electrode, or they can be positioned between a top transparentelectrode and a bottom electrode.

FIG. 110 shows a bichromal bead 790 rotatable in a fluid cavity 792. Thebead 790 has a white portion (or half) 794 and a black portion (or half)796. The desired position of the bead 790 in the cavity 792 can beachieved by application of a predetermined voltage (such as via one ormore electrodes) adjacent the cavity. The shown bead 790 has beenelectronically oriented so that the white half 794 is the top half andthe black half 796 is the bottom half.

FIG. 111 shows the same bead 790 reoriented such that the white half 794has become the left half and the black half 796 has become the righthalf.

FIG. 112 shows the same bead 790 reoriented so that the black portion796 has become the top half and the white portion 794 has become thebottom half. It should be understood that the bead's rotational locationin FIG. 111 can also be an intermediate transitory position (e.g., asnapshot) during its movement between the locations shown in FIGS. 110and 112. It should further be understood that terms such as top, bottom,left, right, are used to facilitate an understanding of the wide rangeof various arrangements, and that the invention is not to be limited tosuch arrangements.

FIG. 113 shows a transparent plastic sheet 800 in which bichromal beads802 can be located along with a clear fluid. The sheet top portion 804is shown pulled away from the sheet remaining portion 806 so that thebeads 802 can be better viewed. Each bead 802 in the sheet 800 is shownhaving a positional orientation like that of FIG. 110. In this example,the closed sheet 800 would appear white when viewed from the top.

Still other arrangements of electronic ink can use chips/balls/beads(and ink) of even more colors (besides only white and black) to enablethe generation of multicolor (red, blue, green) displays. Filters canalso be used to produce color. A fine colored filter can be laid acrossthe top of a monochrome display. The filter can make each pixel appearas red, green, or blue when the pixel below it is white. When the pixelbelow it is black, then the filter reflects very little light so nocolor (except black) is seen. Color filter arrays, such as those byToppan Printing Company, can be used with an electronic ink display. Inother arrangements, microcapsules can be made to act as colored filters.Additionally, subtractive color can be used for a full range of colors.The use of subtractive color can involve transparent beads with thindisks of color filter material of cyan, magenta, and yellow, eachaddressable by different voltage levels.

In an alternative exemplary multifunction card embodiment, organiclight-emitting diodes can be used in combination with (or instead of) anelectronic ink display. Carbon-based compounds similar to the plasticsand flexible displays discussed herein can produce light-emittingsemiconductors that are also pliable and energy efficient.

Electronic ink can be applied to the same card materials (e.g., plastic)that regular ink can be printed on. To form an electronic ink display,the ink can be printed onto a sheet of plastic film that is laminated toa layer of active matrix drive circuitry. The circuitry forms a patternof pixels (which may include microcapsules/beads) that can then becontrolled by a display driver or changer. Microcapsules/beads can besuspended in a liquid carrier medium that allows them to be printedusing existing screen printing processes onto virtually any surface,including plastic. In an exemplary arrangement, about 5-95% (includingany range therebetween) of one or both sides of a multifunction card arecovered with at least one electronic ink display.

Electronic ink can be combined with thin, plastic, flexible transistorsto create smart pixels. A sheet surface (e.g., a side face of a card)can be divided into cells or grids, with each cell wired withmicroelectronics embedded in the plastic sheet or film. Tiny computercircuits or transistors can be printed onto the surface using silicon“rubber stamps” or other known printing processes. Microcontact printing(μCP) can be used for producing the transistors on a flexible substrate.A microfabricated “rubber stamp” can be made of polydimethylsiloxane(PDMS), which can transfer a patterned monolayer of organic moleculesonto a substrate. For example, a substrate can be a gold layer, 20 nmthick, which serves as the source/drain level of the transistors. Anorganic semiconductor material (e.g., pentacen) can be used in thetransistors. The material (e.g., pentacen) can be mechanically flexibleand can be deposited on plastic substrates at low temperatures. Thus,along with the ink printed on a surface (i.e., a digital page) can betiny microprocessors and circuits that perform various functions. Thesemicroelectronics can be used to apply the adequate positive or negativecharge needed to move/flip the chips/balls/beads/particles from oneposition to another in order to create the desired images or text. Forexample, as previously discussed, a MasterCard® logo image on a card canbe changed to a VISA® logo image, and vice versa. Electronic ink enablesa card to have a thin flexible plastic display with the repeatableabilities of instant erasure, redrawing of a new image, and reusemillions of times without wearing out. The exemplary multifunction cardwith an electronically driven electronic ink display can instantaneouslyoverwrite a currently displayed image with a different image.

FIG. 114 shows an electronic ink display arrangement 810 for a card.Electronic ink 812 is printed onto a sheet of transparent plastic film814. The film 814 can contain (or be laminated to) one or more layers ofactive matrix drive circuitry 816. For clarity the circuitry 816 and theelectronic ink 812 are shown separately. The microelectronics 818 in thecircuitry 816 enables different charges to be applied to differentportions of the electronic ink 812 to produce a predetermined imagepattern. One or more processors in (or associated with) the card can beused to control the microelectronics 818. The card can rely on aninternal or external power source (e.g., display driver). As shown inFIG. 114, the electronic ink 812 can be electronically manipulated toproduce a VISA® image 820. It should be understood that for reasons ofclarity not all of the microelectronics needed to produce the completeVISA® image 820 are necessarily shown.

A card can be viewed as having an ink display cell. The ink display cellincluding a front plane laminate section and a custom back planesection. The front plane includes the electronic ink and shows thedisplay. The backplane includes the microelectronics. The ink displaycell combined with an electronic driver can constitute an ink displaymodule. The electronic driver (drive electronics) can supply the powerneeded to change the display.

A display can be electronically written with electronic ink on a card asa bi-stable or image-stable color display. That is, the display remainsfixed until another charge is applied to change it. In an exemplaryembodiment, an electronic ink display is an ultra-low power, reflective,active-matrix color electronic ink display, with the capability ofdisplaying 4,096 colors with a resolution of 320×RGB×234. Other displayscan have a panel of 800 by 600 pixels, an output resolution at 80-170pixels per inch, or about 300 monochrome dots per inch (dpi). It shouldbe understood that these display capabilities are exemplary and thatother display capabilities/parameters are within the scope of theinvention.

In an exemplary embodiment the electronic ink only needs power whenchanging its display. As previously discussed, a card may have its ownpower source. Alternatively, a card display may be changed by receivingelectric power from an external power source, such as the portableterminal. The card can have a miniature power connector to connect tothe power source (e.g., portable card terminal) to receive the electricpower. The power source enables voltages to be applied to the card'selectronic ink to create images, including text and pictures. The imagewill persist until a new voltage pattern is applied.

The card can be fed into a terminal to have its image changed. Theterminal can be compact to permit it to be carried in a purse, wallet,or briefcase. The terminal can act like a printer-like device that canerase old card images and create new card images. In a differentarrangement, the terminal has the power source along with the electrodestructure needed to cause an image pattern to be changed on the card.The card can be placed adjacent to the terminal's electrode structure.The power source can supply the terminal's electrode structure torearrange the chips/balls in the card's electronic ink to displayanother image.

As previously discussed, the card can be packaged with its own electrodestructure (or a portion of the electrode structure). This permits thecard to function more like a traditional display. A card may comprise acollection of separate electronic ink displays to permit differentimages on a side of the card. Likewise, separate electronic ink displayscan be used on both sides of a card. A processor can be used to link theseparate displays. In other arrangements, two separate electronic inkdisplay modules can be fastened together back-to-back. Each displaymodule can have its own processor. Again, a common processor can be usedto link the modules so that the front and rear displays correspond. Withthe appropriate electronics stored in both side of a card, the two cardsides (front and rear) can be updated simultaneously to displaydifferent content on each side, with the differing content correspondingto the same account. With the multifunction card having the ability tochange the appearance of both of its sides, it can replicate severaldifferent looking financial cards (e.g., credit card, debit card, smartcard) or other types of cards, (e.g., bank card, ATM card, merchantcard, health card, library card, identification card, access card,driver's license card, professional license card, and other types ofcards).

A card may carry its own power source along with its electrodestructure. For example, an ultra thin battery, such as from the companyPower Paper, can be stored in the card. The battery can be 0.5millimeters thick (or less) and generate 1.5 volts (or more) ofelectricity. The anode and cathode can be fabricated from inks. Thebattery can be printed onto a substrate surface. This enables a batteryto be integrated into the production and assembly processes usingelectronic ink. That is, an ultra thin battery can be embedded inelectronic ink.

With a card having its own power source (and electrode structure ormicroelectronics), the card holder can manually change the cardappearance. For example, the card may have an input device, such as oneor more keys or buttons, that enables the user to change the carddisplay. A card button can enable a user to flip through programmeddisplays. The card button can be pushed to flip to the next image in thestorage loop until the desired image is displayed (as confirmed by theuser viewing the appearance of the card). For example, with three (A, B,and C) images sequentially stored in the card memory, and with the cardcurrently displaying image A, then pushing the button twice would switchthe card display to that of image C. A further single input to the inputbutton would cause the card to display the next image (i.e., image A) inthe image storage loop. Electrically erasable programmable memory stickscan be used in setting the image/text.

As previously discussed, a multifunction card can use electronic ink todisplay particular graphics and images, including text and pictures.However, the instantaneous erasable/rewritable character of electronicink further permits the display of video. Thus, it should also beunderstood that an exemplary multifunction card (such as one having itsown power source) can replicate stored video. Other exemplarymultifunction card arrangements can combine image/video with sound.Thus, a multifunction card can be used to display messages oradvertisements. For example, prior to allowing the user to select or fixthe VISA® image for the card, the card programming first requires thecard to display a video advertisement related to a special offer fromVISA®.

The exemplary card can have a processor that can communicate with otherdevices. The communication can be in a wireless manner. The card (orterminal) can receive a wireless download from the terminal, a computerdatabase, or the Internet. For example, card advertisements can beupdated automatically via wireless communication with the card and ahost, or during card connection with an updated terminal. The card (orterminal) can have a memory device, such as a programmable memory. Awireless download can include another image pattern or voltage patternto be stored in the card's (or terminal's) memory. The received imagemay be an updated image of an existing card image corresponding to anaccount already stored in the card. For example, the updated card imagemay be the same except for the display of a new expiration date.

A card may also receive a wireless communication instructing the card(or terminal) to change the card display. For example, the card may beinstructed to upload a specific image pattern from its memory and (ifnecessary) cause the pattern to be activated (or charged) to switch fromthe current card display to a different specific card display. Incertain arrangements the card can transmit back to the instructionprovider a confirmation message that the display was changed. In otherarrangements the card can be instructed to display an advertisement ormessage. The card can be programmed to return to the original display(prior to the advertisement) upon acknowledgment of the advertisement bythe user (such as by pressing a cancel button).

A multifunction card can also have security measures to preventunauthorized access to the accounts associated with the card. Forexample, a card user may be required to provide at least one identifyinginput prior to being permitted to change accounts. This may include thecard user providing a biometric input, such as a fingerprint, to thecard. Alternatively, the card can be programmed to covertly capture afingerprint. The card (or terminal) can have a miniaturedevice/processor capable of comparing the provided fingerprint to anauthorized fingerprint. Alternatively, the card can wirelessly transmitcaptured fingerprint data to a remote host for external comparison andauthorization.

The image displayed on a multifunction card can also be changed bymanually providing the power source or image-changing tool. This allowsa card holder to electronically sign the card. For example, a card imagecan be electronically changed by the card holder using an electronic penor pencil. The electronic pen can be used to overwrite a portion of theimage(s) currently displayed on the card. A charged pen causes chargedchips/balls in the electronic ink to move. An electronic pen can beplaced adjacent the electronic ink to cause the creation of a black (ordark) pattern.

An electronic pen may have a switchable polarity. With a first penpolarity a portion of the card can be whited-out. That is, the cardsigning area is changed to represent all white. With the opposite penpolarity the pen is moved along the card in the card signing area sothat the chips/balls closest to the center of the pen are rearranged torepresent black instead of white. Thus, a black line is bordered by awhite area to create the user's signature. The card holder's signaturecan be displayed as part of the overall card image.

In alternative arrangements, a white signature block creating device(e.g., an electronic stamp) can be used by the card holder instead of apen. The signature block can have the signature already stored therein.

Alternatively, a whitened signature area may already be stored as partof a card image. Thus, when the image appears, the card is all ready forsigning with an electric pen.

In a further alternative arrangement, a stored card image may alreadyinclude a white signature block with the card holder's black signaturetherein. The filled signature block is displayed as a part of the cardimage. In such a card arrangement no additional signing is needed.

In still other alternative arrangements, the card memory can include afilled signature block stored therein, as previously discussed. However,the location of the signature block on different cards may vary. Thesignature block can be stored as a separate image. The card (orterminal) processor, in accordance with the selected account, candetermine where the signature block is to be displayed on the card. Thecard (or terminal) can be programmed to automatically place thesignature block on the card at the correct location. This location cancorrespond with the blank signature block (if available) positioned onthe card as part of the card image.

It should be understood that an image-changing multifunction card of theexemplary embodiment can still retain a magnetic stripe. The magneticstripe can be positioned at a reserved area on the card. For example,the stripe may be located outside of or border an image display area.The magnetic stripe can also be located between two or more displayareas. As previously discussed, data corresponding to an accountselected from a plurality of accounts stored in the programmable memoryof a card can be placed on the magnetic stripe of the card. That is, thecard can have magnetic stripe data corresponding to account data storedin card memory. As previously discussed, a terminal can be used tochange the data of the magnetic stripe. Likewise, the programmablememory of the card can include image data. That is, the card can alsohave image data corresponding to the user-selected account. Hence, themagnetic stripe and the images displayed on the front and back of a cardcan all correspond to the same selected account. These card variables(e.g., magnetic stripe data, front display image, rear display image)can be repeatedly changed to accurately represent any one of severaldifferent cards/accounts with only one multifunction card.

In another alternative exemplary embodiment, charged electronic inkchips/balls/beads/particles can be used to provide magnetic fluxreversals. An electronic ink microball/bead can include a material, suchas a ferrous material or other material, that can be magnetized orotherwise exhibit magnetic properties. The entire ball or only a portionthereof (e.g., a half portion) can include such a material. Chargedelectronic ink balls can be electronically positioned to impart magneticeffects. For example, a bichromal ball can be one half black and theother half white, with only the black portion including a material thatcan exhibit magnetic properties. The charged ball can be electronicallyrotated so that its black half is positioned as the upper half of theball. The black portion can be magnetized via a magnetic field to imparta magnetic flux (e.g., a positive or negative flux). Thus, an article(e.g., card, check, etc.) containing the electronic/magnetic ink can beread magnetically. In other arrangements using different coloredballs/chips, either the light-colored balls/chips or the dark-coloredballs/chips (such as those in a microcapsule) can be used to impart amagnetic flux.

A magnetic field can be applied to an arrangement of electronic inkballs to reverse (or initialize) their magnetic flux (e.g., frompositive to negative) in the same manner in which a magnetic stripe canbe encoded. In some embodiments a ball can be rotated or otherwise movedto change its detectable magnetic properties. Therefore, some balls canbe positioned to impart a relatively stronger (positive or negative)magnetic flux for detection (magnetic reading) while other balls arepositioned so that their magnetic properties are relatively weaker to adetector scanning a particular surface. The electronic ink can be usedto create a readable magnetic pattern.

The use of magnetic materials enables electronic ink to electronicallydisplay a magnetic stripe on a card. Thus, the entire side surfaces of acard can be displayed. Not only can the stripe be displayed as anelectronic image, but the displayed stripe can also have actual magneticproperties. The card's electronic ink stripe both looks (via itselectronic display) and acts (via magnetic flux properties) as amagnetic stripe. Hence, the stripe can actually be used as a magneticstripe enabling magnetic reading thereof. The magnetic stripe can bechanged or reconfigured electronically. The stripe can be electronicallyencoded to provide magnetic flux reversals. The previously discussedability to impart magnetic properties to electronic ink also permits theplacement of micr code magnetic characters on a card, check, or otherarticle.

The use of electronic ink having magnetic properties provides for areusable item, such as a financial check. Financial checks have beenpreviously discussed. An electronic/magnetic check can be written orfilled out using a “printer” device attached to a computer. The“printer” device can be controlled by the computer to electronicallychange the appearance and/or magnetic properties of a reusableelectronic ink check. Two items can even have the same visibleappearance but different magnetic properties.

The computer can have access to a stored electronic template of a papercheck. The computer may create the electronic check template by having apaper check scanned and stored into the computer. As previouslydiscussed (e.g., FIG. 97) an electronic check template can include thedata and layout that commonly appear on every blank check of aparticular check holder, such as the bank name, payer name, payeraddress, and checking account number. The user can instruct the computeras to which features of a scanned check belong in the electronictemplate. An electronic check template can also include electronic inkpositioning data which can be used to position electronic ink ballshaving magnetic property so as to represent an account number, bankrouting number, etc. in a magnetically readable format. The electroniccheck template can be used by a computer to reconfigure electronic inkon a reusable electronic ink check. A computer program can be used toreconfigure electronic ink to represent the data in a check template.The computer can also keep a record of the check number, date, and othercheck information. This enables electronic ink checks to beprinted/created with sequential check numbers, current date, andsignature. The computer may also receive input from a check writer tofill in the empty information fields in the electronic check templatebefore the electronic ink check (image) is “printed.” The inputtedinformation can include the check amount, the payee, etc. Theuser-supplied information enables an electronic ink check to becompleted for use in a transaction. The computer can be a hand-helddevice.

Alternatively, a tool or device (e.g., an electronic pen) can be used toinput (fill in) the needed information (e.g., check amount, payee, etc.)after the computer has already caused the “printing” of the electronicink check (image). For example, an electronic pen can be used by thepayer after an electronic ink reusable check has been “printed” orreconfigured by a “printer” in operative connection with the computer.The “printer” (which may include a computer, electrodes,microelectronics, etc.) can be used to electronically alter theappearance and magnetic properties on a reusable check or item. Areusable check can also have microelectronics similar to thosepreviously discussed with regard to an electronic ink card (e.g., FIG.114). Likewise, the appearance of a reusable electronic ink check can bechanged in a manner similar to the previously discussed process ofchanging the appearance of an electronic ink card (e.g., FIGS. 103-106).

A reusable electronic ink check can be used in the same manner and forthe same purposes as a paper check. That is, a reusable check can beused in a transaction, e.g., payment, deposit, exchange, etc. Thetransaction may be used in conjunction with an imaging device. Theimaging device can be of the type which enables reading and generatingan electronic image of a document, such as shown in U.S. Pat. No.5,534,682 or U.S. Pat. No. 5,923,413, the disclosures of each beingincorporated herein by reference as if fully rewritten herein. Animaging device enables the images of both sides of an electronic inkcheck to be electronically captured. Thus, a complete imaging of a checkcan be substituted for use in processing of the actual check. Forexample, a reusable electronic ink check may be deposited into an ATMthat can recognize and verify an electronic ink check as acceptable fordeposit. The ATM can include at least one imaging device that isoperative to digitally capture images of the reusable electronic inkcheck. The captured digital images can be stored and/or transmittedelectronically to a check clearinghouse or processing center. Thecaptured digital images can also be transmitted electronically (e.g.,via e-mail) to the depositor. The images transmitted to the depositormay include or be associated with a message, such as “canceled” or“deposited”, confirming that the check was accepted for deposit. Inother arrangements the micr code information on the check can bemagnetically read by a micr reader. An ATM can use the micr code inverifying an electronic ink check as acceptable for deposit. The micrcode can be stored and/or transmitted along with the check image to theprocessing center.

Once the images of an electronic ink check have been captured, then thecheck can be erased and returned to the payer for reuse. An erased checkcan be electronically (and magnetically) altered (e.g., while in an ATM)so that it's electronic ink is no longer in the position of a valid (orreadable) check. The erasure may be a part of the image capturingprocess. A completely erased electronic ink check can be returnedcompletely blank, e.g., all white. An erased electronic ink check may bephysically returned to the user with an electronic marking or messagethereon, such as “canceled.” An erased electronic ink check may also bereturned in its blank check or base template format, i.e., devoid ofnecessary information. This template return arrangement enables thecheck owner to quickly reuse the check by again inputting (such as viaan electronic pen) the information (payee, amount, etc.) necessary tocomplete the check. The electronic ink image of the base template canact as read only memory and be unchangeable to any device other than theuser's computer program. In other arrangements, the check can include anRFID tag reader that can recognize a unique RFID tag in the owner'selectronic pen. Upon recognition of the rightful owner, the checkpermits its completion (or alteration). Alternatively, the templateimage can be electronically burned into the electronic ink check so thatit remains permanently fixed. In still further arrangements, a reusablecheck can have a permanent paper template portion in combination with achangeable electronic ink portion. The electronic ink portion of thereusable check can be changed to display the transaction specificinformation (payee, amount, etc.) necessary to complete the check.Again, the electronic ink portion of the reusable check can be erased.Thus, an electronic/magnetic electronic ink reusable check can bereceived for a transaction, imaged for check processing, erased, andreturned to its user (or owner). Alternatively, instead of returning anerased check to the current check holder, an ATM may destroy the checkor reuse it in another ATM transaction involving a different checkholder.

In alternative electronic ink check arrangements, an ATM can create areusable electronic ink check. A fee may be charged for the service ofproducing a reusable electronic ink check. The ATM can receive from anATM user the information necessary to create a completed electronic inkreusable check. The information may be inputted (via an ATM keyboard,touch screen, phone, wireless device, etc.) to the ATM by the checkrequestor. A user need not have a checking account to have a checkcreated. Information may also be obtained upon reading an inputted usercard. For example, the ATM can use account data ascertained from aninputted user card to garner data necessary in creating an electronicink check. Alternatively, the ATM can be used to create a reusableelectronic ink check template (i.e., reusable blank check) for a checkrequestor. An ATM can have a supply of never used reusable checkswaiting to be formatted and completed for a check requestor. A reusablecheck generated by an ATM can also comprise a reusable check that waspreviously erased following its deposit into the ATM by a previous checkholder.

In alternative embodiments, different electronic/magnetic arrangementscan be used. For example, a separate entity (e.g., a ferrous material)that can exhibit magnetic properties can be mixed or combined withelectronic ink material. The combination would result in a mixture ofdistinct materials, one of magnetic properties and one of electricproperties. The materials can be manipulated to cause an electronicdisplay that has magnetic flux properties.

An exemplary embodiment includes an automated banking machine (e.g.,ATM) that uses electronic ink to display instructions or otherinformation to a user of the machine. A plurality of electronic inkdisplays can be strategically situated at various locations on theautomated banking machine. The displays can be of a form and dimensionso as to replace tangible instructional labels or indicia currently usedon automated banking machines.

The displays can be used to provide ease of automated banking machineoperation. The electronic ink displays are operatively connected to oneor more processors, which may include an automated banking machinecomputer. The electronic ink displays can operate in a manner similar tothe previously discussed electronic ink displays.

The electronic ink displays, like the tangible labels, can indicate thefunctions of various components of the machine. The displays, like thelabels, may show instructional icons and text. An electronic ink displaylabel may be electronically changed by a machine computer. For example,the language (e.g., English, Spanish, French) displayed in an electroniclabel may be changed to fit a given machine location. Electronic inkdisplays or labels may also be changed by a remote host computer inconnection (e.g., via a proprietary line, the Internet, etc.) with theautomated banking machine.

The electronic ink displays can be positioned to indicate to a userwhere and how to provide an input and/or where and how to receive anoutput. The information can be displayed to assist a user in carryingout a transaction with an automated banking machine. The displays can beoperated to display features, such as text messages/icons in variouscolors. The display presented in an electronic ink label can remainfixed until power is applied to change it, as previously discussed.

In some situations an electronic label message may remain unchangedwhile the machine is at a given location. For example, a label locatedadjacent to an ATM cash dispenser outlet may display the image of aplurality of currency notes. The electronic image can represent the areaon the ATM where currency notes are dispensed.

In other situations an electronic label may function as a conventionalautomated banking machine main display. That is, the display or messageshown by the label may be changed several times during a transaction.For example, an ATM label may be used to provide the messages “Pleaseinsert card”, “Please enter PIN”, “Please enter amount”, “Please removecash”, “Please remove card”, and “Please remove receipt.”

An automated banking machine label may be used to instructionally walk amachine user through a transaction. For example, a flashing color, apointing arrow, an animated help assistant, etc. can be presented via alabel to instruct or notify the user of an action needed to beperformed. Lead through indicators in plural colors (e.g., three colors)may be used to indicate the specific component to which the user'sattention is needed in a transaction. Instead of only a (large) singlemain display screen, a plurality of (smaller) display labels can belocated on the machine. Furthermore, the electronic ink display labelscan be strategically positioned on the machine to enable a user toeasily operate the machine to perform the transaction.

The electronic ink displays are particularly useful when differentautomated banking machines, such as ATMs, have different userinterfaces. For example, a user may be unfamiliar with the locations ofinput and output devices on a particular ATM. The unfamiliarity may bethe result of the user's first operation of the particular ATM. The useof plural electronic ink displays enable users to become more efficientusers. ATM efficiency can be enhanced because interactive electronic inkinstructions enable a new user to spend less time at an unfamiliar ATM.

In an exemplary display arrangement, electronic ink displays can besituated adjacent to input devices and output devices of a userinterface of an ATM. For example, displays can be located on an ATM nextto a cash dispenser opening, a keyboard, function keys, and a card inputslot. Other electronic ink displays can be located adjacent to othermachine input and output devices.

An electronic ink display next to a card input slot can indicate to auser where the slot is located. For example, a flashing arrow can directthe user's attention to the card input slot. Thus, the display cannotify the user of the location of the card input slot. The display canalso show a user how to insert a card into the machine. The display canpresent a showing of how a card is to be oriented for proper insertioninto the machine. The showing may be a pictogram.

If a card is inserted into the card input slot in a wrong orientationthen the card can be returned to the user and a display presentednotifying the user why (e.g., wrong orientation) the card was notaccepted. Sensors can be positioned to sense the insertion of the cardinto the card input slot. An ATM computer can receive signals from thesensors that a card was inserted. The ATM computer can also receivesignals from the card reader (which can read a card inserted into thecard input slot). The ATM computer can determine, based on the inabilityto read a sensed card, that the card was inserted incorrectly. The ATMcomputer can then control the display (or another display) to inform theuser that the card was not properly oriented, and to please review theorientation in the presentation provided for inserting a card. Forexample, an electronic ink display may be caused to generate a messagestating “Please position card as shown, then insert.” The same display(located next to the card input slot) can later (after transactioncompletion) be used to remind the user to take their card. That is, thesame display can be used to present different messages at differentstages in carrying out an ATM transaction (e.g., a cash withdrawal).

FIG. 115 shows an electronic ink display 840 positioned next to a cardinput slot 838 of an ATM. The display module 840 may be aligned with theslot 838. FIG. 115 shows the electronic ink display 840 presenting themessage “INSERT CARD” 842 in correspondence with an arrow 844 thatpoints to the card input slot 838. The display 840 (or at least aportion thereof) can be quickly repeated to cause the arrow to be viewedas a flashing or blinking arrow. The arrow's color can be different fromthe message's color and the background color. The display shown in FIG.115 informs a user where to insert a card into the ATM.

Simulated movement and orientation of how to properly insert a card canbe shown using a single presentation or several sequential presentationson the same display. Several different presentations can be rapidlychanged to give the representation (and appearance) of a moving card.MPEG format may be used. FIGS. 116, 117, and 118 show the display 840presenting simulated card insertion movement. An electronic ink card 846can mimic the appearance of a conventional physical card that may beused in carrying out an ATM transaction. The displayed card 846 maycontain information thereon corresponding to a card holder name 848(e.g., Ms. Doe), an account number 850 (e.g., 0123 4567 8910 1112), anda card logo 852 (e.g., My Card). Other information may be displayed asbeing on the electronic ink card, such as the name of institution thatissued the card, expiration date, etc.

FIG. 116 shows the proper orientation of the imaged card 846 forinsertion into the ATM. FIG. 117 shows another electronic image of thesame card 846. The electronically imaged card 846 is shown further movedin the insertion direction (relative to the position of FIG. 116). FIG.118 shows the same card 846 positioned even further in the insertiondirection (relative to the position of FIG. 117). FIGS. 116 and 118 alsoshow the electronic ink display 840 presenting a small directionalarrow. The combination of FIGS. 116-118 represent movement of a properlyoriented card in a proper direction for card insertion. That is, FIGS.116-118 present a card moving in the direction of insertion.

The sequence of FIGS. 116-118 can be quickly presented, followed by atimed pause, and then the display sequence of FIGS. 116-118 repeatedagain. The display sequence and timing process can be repeated until auser card is properly inserted. The pause can be used as a bearing pointto provide a customer time to understand the order of the card insertionpresentation. During the pause, the display of FIG. 115 may bepresented.

Card images can also be displayed as overlapping. For example, the imageof a card's next insertion position can be slowly focused in as thecard's previous insertion position is slowly faded out to further affectcard movement. The focusing and fading can be proportionally related torepresent 100% of a card's intensity (or density) for display. Forexample, while 70% of the density of FIG. 116 remains, 30% of thedensity of FIG. 117 is shown. Likewise, as the card's (increasing)intensity being displayed in FIG. 117 reaches 90% of full (100%)display, only 10% of the card's (fading) intensity remains displayed inFIG. 116.

Although only a few card positions have been shown, it should beunderstood that numerous card positions may be displayed, especially ifvideo-like quality is to be presented. Furthermore, displayedinstructions on how to insert a card may be correspondingly combined(via a computer) with an ATM output device that can provide audioinstructions. An audio instruction may state “please insert your card asshown.” The audio and visual information can be presented in sync. Thus,an ATM can provide a combination of display/voice instructions.

It should also be understood that other displayed images and audiomessages can be presented. For example, an ATM may inform a customer to“please remove your card” via both audio communication and electronicink display communication.

In some arrangements the same familiar electronic help assistant cancommonly appear in each of the differently located electronic inkdisplays on an ATM customer interface. This enables a customer to lookfor the same assistant for help in carrying out a transaction. The ATMcan have a default help assistant. In alternative arrangements the ATMmay randomly choose an assistant for the transaction. A user-preferredassistant may be encoded on the user's ATM card. After the user has beenauthorized to operate the ATM, which may have included the userproviding a proper PIN, then the ATM can switch to using the assistantread from the card. Thus, the user-preferred assistant can be used bythe ATM in any remaining displays for that ATM session. In alternativearrangements, after the user has been granted authorization to operatethe ATM, the user has the option of selecting a new assistant (for ATMsession usage) from among several different help assistants offered bythe ATM. The ATM can also be operated by a user to store the chosenassistant as the designated (preferred) help assistant on the user's ATMcard.

FIG. 119 shows an ATM 858 having a user interface 860. The interface 860includes plural electronic ink labels. Labels are situated close toappropriate interface openings in order to identify to the ATM user thefunction of the ATM module associated with the respective opening. FIG.119 shows a card insertion/removal label 862 located next to a cardinput slot 864. A card reader LED 884 (light emitting diode) canselectively provide light to the slot 864. FIG. 119 also shows a keypadlabel 866 adjacent to a keypad 868 that includes numeric keys 870 andfunction keys 872 (or buttons). The keypad 868 may be oversized(relative to a conventional keypad) to enable accurate customer input. Areceipt label 874 is located next to a receipt (and/or mini statement)outlet slot 876. Another label 878 is adjacent a dispense/depositopening 880. As shown, the label 878 displays an electronic ink image888 of currency notes. The electronic image 888 represents the area onthe ATM where currency notes are dispensed. The electronic ink labelscan be dimensioned in various sizes and shapes. The arrangement shown inFIG. 119 enables a transaction to be carried out with or without aconventional ATM display screen, e.g., a CRT display. Without a bulkyconventional main display screen, less space is needed.

The function of the electronic ink labels will now be explained withregard to a successful cash withdrawal transaction. The ATM caninitially be at low power, standby mode. Upon sensing a nearby potentialcustomer, the ATM awakes to a higher power. An ATM processor instructsthe card insertion/removal label 862 to display where and how to inserta user card. For example, FIGS. 115-118 may be displayed, as previouslydiscussed.

Following successful insertion of the customer's card, the ATM reads theinserted card and instructs the keypad label 866 to display “Pleaseinsert your PIN.” The display (or displays) shown on the keypad label866 can also have one or more arrows pointing to the keypad. Thecustomer can use the keypad 868 to input their PIN in obtaining approvalto use the ATM for the cash withdrawal transaction.

A label may be programmed to display the entire message or only a singleword at a time. For example, the phrase “Please insert your PIN” may bepresented as a series of single words (e.g., “Please”, “insert”, “your”,and “PIN”) or plural words (e.g., “Please insert” and “your PIN”). Also,a single (large) message may be presented over adjacent electronic inkdisplays. That is, “Please insert” and “your PIN” may be displayed onseparate labels resulting (in the view of the customer) as the completemessage “Please insert your PIN.”

The keypad label 866 can next display “Press the number corresponding toyour selection.” Alternatively another label, such as the auxiliarylabel 882 positioned above the keypad 868, can be used for presentingthe display. A listing of options can then be presented on the displaylabel 866 (or 882). Depending on the length of the list, the options mayall be shown simultaneously on the display, or the display may functionto scroll the list. The list can contain transactions normallyassociated with an ATM. For example, the list may include “1. CheckBalance”, “2. Cash Withdrawal”, and “3. Make Deposit.” In carrying outour cash withdrawal transaction the customer would press the keypad keycorresponding to the number “2”. Next, the label 866 (or 882) can outputa request to “Please enter amount in dollars.” In carrying out our cashwithdrawal transaction the customer can use the keypad 868 to enter“60.” Next, the label 866 (or 882) can output the message “$60 entered,if correct press 1, else press 3.” In carrying out our cash withdrawaltransaction the customer can use the keypad 868 to enter “1.” The ATMcan then dispense the requested cash at the dispense/deposit opening 880for removal by the customer. The label 878 adjacent the dispense/depositopening 880 can instruct the customer to “Please take your cash.” TheATM can also cause a receipt to be presented at the receipt outlet slot876. The corresponding receipt label 874 can instruct the customer to“Please take receipt.” Likewise, the ATM can return the customer's cardat the card slot 864 and instruct the card insertion/removal label 862to read “Please take card.” The messages that are to be presented in thelabels 862, 874, 878 may be displayed as soon as that item (e.g., card,receipt, cash) is available for removal by the customer. More than onemessage can be simultaneously displayed. That is, the labels 862, 874,878 may each display a different (or the same) message at the same time.After an item is removed, the message corresponding therewith can beerased or cleared. For example, the display corresponding therewith maychange to a blank screen prior to returning to a low power, standby modeor inactive state. Alternatively, a label 862, 866, 874, 878, 882 maypresent a courtesy message such as “Thank you” or “Good bye.”

After a predetermined time a farewell courtesy message can be changed todisplay a greeting message 886, such as “Welcome.” As previouslydiscussed, an electronic ink display can remain fixed until power isapplied to change it. Thus, while an ATM awaits another customer, an ATMlabel can remain in an inactive state while still displaying a greetingmessage.

Electronic ink displays (or labels) can also be used to enhancesecurity. For example, one or more displays can be in operativeconnection with an encryption pin pad (“EPP”). A display can becontrolled to notify a user of when it is safe/not safe to enter theirPIN based on the EPP (such as version EPP4) being in or out ofencrypting mode. An electronic ink display can be correlated with theEPP status of PIN Entry mode (i.e., Clear Text mode) or Clear Data mode.Even at times an ATM's main LCD display input has been tampered with,the electronic ink arrangement will offer security. The use of a(secondary) electronic ink display can help prevent a customer fromentering their PIN in the EPP at an unsecured time.

If someone tampers with a connection from the EPP to the electronic inkdisplay, then the display can show a warning or danger screen to preventthe customer from entering a PIN on the EPP. For example, an electronicink display may show “Warning—Do Not Enter Your PIN.” FIG. 122 showssuch a message on display 887. The EPP keyboard or keypad can bedisabled for any data entry until tampering is removed and secureconnection is again authenticated. With a secure connection theelectronic ink display can show “Please Enter Your PIN.”

Similarly, an electronic ink display (or label) can show a warning ordanger screen when another card reader has been placed in front of anATM's card reader to unlawfully capture card data. For example, anunauthorized card reader may have been placed in the card path toreceive the inputted card instead of the ATM's card reader. Theunauthorized card reader attempts to steal card data without the user'sknowledge. The danger screen can be displayed when the ATM card readerdoes not detect any card entry at the ATM's card reader after apredetermined time interval has passed after the ATM processor requestedcard insertion via the main ATM display (or an electronic ink display).That is, if the ATM does not detect a card within a set time periodafter asking for it, then the ATM processor makes a determination thattampering with the card path to the card reader has occurred. Uponsuspicion of card path tampering, an electronic ink display can presenta danger screen message such as “Warning—Do Not Enter Your Card.” Theelectronic ink warning message can remain actively displayed (withoutpower) even if the ATM shuts down. Alternatively, other electronic inkmessages, such as “ATM Out of Order” or “ATM Undergoing Servicing—Do NotUse”, may be displayed. The display presented may be based on the natureof suspected tampering detected.

An exemplary embodiment provides that when an EPP (such as version EPP4)is used for both clear data entry mode and pin entry mode, then the EPPdoes not get enabled for clear data entry mode when the display says“Please Enter Your PIN.” This enables an EPP to be a tamper evident andtamper responsive module. The EPP (e.g., EPP4) knows when its keys areenabled for clear data entry mode and when its keys are enabled for PINentry mode. That is, the EPP knows its status. In the exemplaryembodiment the EPP can visually translate its status information to themachine user via an electronic ink display. Thus, a user can be warnedagainst entering PIN data while the EPP is not in the encryption mode.

FIG. 120 shows an exemplary arrangement 900 of automated banking machinecomponents and their interface connections. The components can be thoseof an ATM. The arrangement includes a processor 902, a main(conventional) display unit 904, an EPP 906, a card reader 908, and anelectronic ink display 910. The processor 902 can be connected to themain display 904 via a video interface 912. The processor 902 can be incommunication with the EPP 906 via a RS-232 or USB interface 914. Theprocessor 902 can be in communication with the card reader 908 via aRS-232 or USB interface 916. The processor 902 can be in communicationwith the electronic ink display 910 via a video interface or a parallel,serial, or USB interface 918. The EPP 906 can be in communication withthe electronic ink display 910 via a controlling interface 920, such asI/O, serial, or parallel interface. The card reader 908 can be incommunication with the electronic ink display 910 via a controllinginterface 922, such as an I/O, serial, or parallel interface.

A warning label can comprise a paper thin electronic ink display module.The exemplary EPP can operate in clear data entry mode and PIN dataentry mode. In clear data entry mode the does not encrypt the inputteddata. In PIN data entry mode the inputted data is encrypted.

When the EPP keyboard is enabled for clear data entry mode, it providesa signal to the display module that it is in clear data entry mode. Theelectronic ink display module upon receiving the signal disablesexternal display updates (if necessary) and displays a simple textwarning message like “Wait—Do Not Enter Your PIN.” As previouslydiscussed, a displayed message may be presented in a manner thatattracts the user's attention. For example, the warning message could beof a conspicuous color and continually flashed or blinked.

It should be understood that in other steps in a transaction (such asafter the PIN has already been properly received and the user isauthorized to conduct a transaction) the EPP keyboard can be in cleardata entry mode to receive dollar entry data or other information entrydata.

When the EPP keyboard is enabled for PIN data entry mode (or anotherdata entry mode such as DES key), it provides a unique signal to theelectronic ink display module that it is in PIN data entry mode. Theunique signal is different than the signal sent in the clear data entrymode. The electronic ink display module upon receiving the signaldisables or removes external display updates (if necessary) and displaysa simple text message like “Please Enter Your PIN.”

Following successful PIN entry the EPP encryption mode can be changed tonon encryption mode for receiving inputted numeric data, such as a cashwithdrawal dollar amount. When the encryption feature of the EPP becomesdisabled (e.g., not in encryption mode) it sends a signal to theelectronic ink display module indicating that its keyboard is nowdisabled and that the display module can now be used for displayingexternal data messages other than those related to EPP encryptionstatus.

The EPP and electronic ink display module can monitor the controlinterface to determine tampering (e.g., cutting) of the connectionlines. Upon detection of suspected tampering of the control interface,the EPP can disable the keyboard until the control interface is restoredand authenticated. Upon detection of suspected tampering of the controlinterface, the display module can disable all external display updatesand present a screen such as “Danger—Tampering Detected—Do Not Use ATM.”That is, the display module upon detecting suspected tampering canswitch to a warning display. The warning display may be programmed intothe display module as a default display. Thus, the arrangement enables adisplayed message to be directly related to the status of the EPP.

Suspected tampering can also be monitored with respect to the cardreader. For example, tampering may be suspected when the card readerdoes not sense or detect input of a card after a predetermined timeinterval following an ATM display that requested card insertion. Aspreviously discussed, suspected tampering in such a situation may occurwhen an unauthorized card reader is illegally placed before an ATM'scard reader. Upon a determination (or suspicion) of tampering byunauthorized card reading, an electronic ink display module can againpresent a danger screen such as “Danger—Tampering Detected—Do Not UseATM.” FIG. 121 shows an electronic ink display module 930 presenting a“danger” message. The display module can comprise one of the electronicink display labels shown in FIG. 119, such as label 866 or 882.

As shown in FIG. 120, automated banking machine components can bearranged with an electronic ink display 910 to provide enhanced safetyto a user of an automated banking machine. As previously discussed, anelectronic ink display 910 can be in operative connection with both anencryption pin pad 906 and a card reader 908. The electronic ink display910 can be linked to the EPP 906 to visually inform a machine user whenand when not to enter their PIN. The electronic ink display 910 can alsobe in communication with the EPP 906 to warn a machine user of apotentially non-secured system due to suspected tampering, as previouslydiscussed. Likewise, the electronic ink display 910 can be linked to thecard reader 908 to warn a machine user of suspected card path tampering,as previously discussed. The ability to directly communicate the display910 with both the EPP 906 and the card reader 908 provides backupsecurity. For example, if the interfaces 914, 916, 918 with theprocessor 902 become compromised, the arrangement still enables amachine user to be notified of suspected tampering.

Thus the new transaction apparatus and method of the present inventionachieves at least one of the above stated objectives, eliminatesdifficulties encountered in the use of prior devices and systems, solvesproblems and attains the desirable results described herein.

In the foregoing description certain terms have been used for brevity,clarity and understanding. However no unnecessary limitations are to beimplied therefrom because such terms are used for descriptive purposesand are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover the descriptions andillustrations given herein are by way of examples and the invention isnot limited to the exact details shown and described.

In the following claims any feature described is a means for performinga function shall be construed as encompassing any means capable ofperforming the recited function known to those skilled in the art, andshall not be limited to the particular means shown in the foregoingdescription as performing the recited function or means merelyequivalent thereto.

Having described the features, discoveries and principals of theinvention, the manner in which it is constructed, operated and utilized,and the advantages and useful results attained; the new and usefulstructures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations,systems, equipment, operations, methods, and relationships are set forthin the appended claims.

1. At least one article including computer executable instructionsconfigured to cause at least one computer of a transaction system tocarry out a method comprising: (a) operating the at least one computerto receive from a customer via the Internet during a financialtransaction requiring customer signature and customer accountinformation, customer-identifying electronic signature data wirelesslycommunicated during the financial transaction from a portable customerdevice including a wireless customer phone; (b) operating the at leastone computer to receive from the customer during the financialtransaction, customer account information; and (c) operating the atleast one computer to cause the electronic signature data received in(a) and the customer account information received in (b) to be used inthe financial transaction.
 2. The at least one article according toclaim 1 wherein a banking system includes the at least one computer anda plurality of automated banking machines, wherein the portable customerdevice includes a biometric reader operative to read user biometricdata, wherein the portable customer device includes programmable memoryincluding stored biometric data corresponding to an authorized user ofthe portable customer device, wherein the portable customer device isoperative to compare read user biometric data to the stored biometricdata in authorizing usage of the portable customer device, wherein theportable customer device is operable to carry out a transaction with anautomated banking machine to cause transfer of value from a financialaccount corresponding to the customer account information, and furthercomprising: (d) operating the biometric reader to read user biometricdata; (e) operating the portable customer device to compare the userbiometric data read in (d) to the stored biometric data in authorizingusage of the portable customer device.
 3. The at least one articleaccording to claim 1 wherein (a) includes operating the at least onecomputer to receive from the portable customer device, wireless Internetcommunication including the electronic signature data.
 4. The at leastone article according to claim 3 wherein the wireless customer phonecomprises a cell phone, wherein (a) includes operating the at least onecomputer to receive from the cell phone, wireless Internet communicationincluding the electronic signature data.
 5. The at least one articleaccording to claim 1 wherein (b) includes operating the at least onecomputer to receive from the portable customer device, customer accountinformation wirelessly communicated from the portable customer device.6. The at least one article according to claim 5 wherein the wirelesscustomer phone comprises a cell phone, wherein (b) includes operatingthe at least one computer to receive from the cell phone, wirelessInternet communication including the customer account information. 7.The at least one article according to claim 1 wherein (a) includesoperating the at least one computer to receive from the wirelesscustomer phone, at least one wireless Internet communication includingthe electronic signature data, wherein (b) includes operating the atleast one computer to receive from the wireless customer phone, at leastone wireless Internet communication including the customer accountinformation.
 8. The at least one article according to claim 1 whereinthe system comprises a merchant system, wherein the merchant systemincludes the at least one computer, wherein (b) includes operating theat least one computer to receive data from a customer during a purchasetransaction involving a merchant and the customer.
 9. At least onearticle including computer executable instructions configured to causeat least one computer of a transaction system to carry out a methodcomprising: (a) operating the at least one computer to receive from acustomer via the Internet during a financial transaction requiringcustomer signature and customer account information,customer-identifying electronic signature data wirelessly communicatedduring the financial transaction from a portable phone; (b) operatingthe at least one computer during the financial transaction to receivecustomer account information from the customer; and (c) operating the atleast one computer to cause the electronic signature data received in(a) and the customer account information received in (b) to be used inthe financial transaction.
 10. The at least one article according toclaim 9 wherein a banking system includes the at least one computer,wherein (a), (b), and (c) occur during a banking transaction involving abanking customer.
 11. The at least one article according to claim 9wherein (a) includes operating the at least one computer to receive fromthe portable phone, wireless Internet communication including theelectronic signature data.
 12. The at least one article according toclaim 11 wherein the portable phone comprises a cell phone, wherein (a)includes operating the at least one computer to receive from the cellphone, wireless Internet communication including the electronicsignature data.
 13. The at least one article according to claim 9wherein (b) includes operating the at least one computer to receivecustomer account information wirelessly communicated from the portablephone.
 14. The at least one article according to claim 13 wherein theportable phone comprises a cell phone, wherein (b) includes operatingthe at least one computer to receive from the cell phone, wirelessInternet communication including the customer account information. 15.The at least one article according to claim 9 wherein (a) includesoperating the at least one computer to receive from the portable phone,wireless Internet communication including the electronic signature data,wherein (b) includes operating the at least one computer to receive fromthe portable phone, wireless Internet communication including thecustomer account information.
 16. The at least one article according toclaim 9 wherein a merchant system includes the at least one computer,wherein (a), (b), and (c) occur during a purchase transaction involvinga merchant and the customer.
 17. At least one article including computerexecutable instructions configured to cause at least one computer of atransaction system to carry out a method comprising: (a) operating theat least one computer to receive from a customer during a financialtransaction requiring customer signature and customer accountinformation, customer-identifying electronic signature data wirelesslycommunicated from a portable phone during the financial transaction,wherein the at least one computer is operable to wirelessly receiveelectronic signature data via the Internet and via at least one cellularphone network; (b) operating the at least one computer during thefinancial transaction to receive customer account information wirelesslycommunicated from the portable phone during the financial transaction,wherein the at least one computer is operable to wirelessly receivecustomer account information via the Internet and via the at least onecellular phone network; and (c) operating the at least one computer tocause the electronic signature data received in (a) and the customeraccount information received in (b) to be used in the financialtransaction.
 18. The at least one article according to claim 17 whereina banking system includes the at least one computer, wherein (a), (b),and (c) occur during a banking transaction involving a banking customer,wherein the at least one computer is operable to wirelessly receive userbiometric data read by a biometric reader of a portable phone, andfurther comprising: (d) operating the at least one computer towirelessly receive user biometric data wirelessly communicated from theportable phone during the banking transaction.
 19. The at least onearticle according to claim 17 wherein in (a) the at least one computerwirelessly receives the electronic signature data via the Internet,wherein in (b) the at least one computer wirelessly receives thecustomer account information via the Internet.
 20. The at least onearticle according to claim 17 wherein in (a) the at least one computerwirelessly receives the electronic signature data via the at least onecellular phone network, wherein in (b) the at least one computerwirelessly receives the customer account information via the at leastone cellular phone network.